Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are facing criticism for paying minimal rent on Royal Lodge for over two decades. In 2003, Andrew secured a 75-year lease for the 30-room Windsor property and has lived there with his ex-wife since then. Despite withdrawing from public duties, Andrew reportedly paid only a symbolic amount of rent annually after an initial £1 million lease payment.
There are concerns about the sustainability of the property, with the maintenance costs running into millions each year and queries arising about Andrew’s financial capacity to support it. Calls have been made for the couple to vacate Royal Lodge following their decision to relinquish their royal titles amid the Epstein scandal. This is not the first time the pair has faced scrutiny over their spending habits related to royal residences.
When Andrew and Sarah got married in 1986, they received lavish gifts, including the promise of a royal home funded by the late Queen. However, their plans to build Sunninghill Park in Berkshire faced financial challenges, leading to the Queen intervening to curb their overspending. Despite the Queen’s intervention, the couple exceeded their budget, prompting them to seek alternative financing options.
Following their separation in 1992 and subsequent divorce in 1996, Andrew and Sarah put Sunninghill Park up for sale in 2002 for £12 million. The property remained unsold for five years and deteriorated before being eventually purchased.
The couple’s history of property-related financial issues has attracted attention, with past decisions coming under scrutiny. Despite the challenges faced, Andrew and Sarah have navigated through various controversies surrounding their residences.