Crown Estate denies Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor six-figure compensation for leaving Royal Lodge

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly the Duke of York, will not receive a six-figure payout after being asked to leave his 30-room residence on the Windsor estate, the Crown Estate has confirmed. The decision comes due to the property's current state of repair.

In a report to the UKs Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which oversees the value of government expenditures, the Crown Estate indicated that an initial inspection of the Royal Lodge suggested that "in all likelihood, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not be entitled to any compensation for early lease termination once dilapidations are accounted for."

While the Crown Estate noted that no compensation is automatically due, it stated that Andrew could have received 488,342.21 ($644,336) if no repairs or maintenance costs were necessary at the end of the lease.

King Charles instructed his brother to vacate the property in Windsor Great Park following the announcement in October that Andrew would lose his prince title due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew had lived in the mansion since 2003. The estate spans 40 hectares (99 acres) and includes a swimming pool, aviary, six lodge cottages, a gardeners cottage, and housing for royal protection officers.

The late Queen Elizabeth II had granted Andrew, her third child, the right to reside at the lodge, which is owned by the Crown Estate. Andrew purchased the property in 2003 for 1 million, under a 75-year lease ending in June 2078, which required him to cover refurbishment and upkeep of the grounds.

Andrew will relocate to a property on the Sandringham estate, about 100 miles north of London, which is privately owned by the monarch. His new residence will be funded by King Charles, with the move expected after the Christmas period.

The PAC announced it will investigate the Crown Estates handling of Andrews lease. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, PAC chair, acknowledged the Crown Estate and Treasurys cooperation, stating the information received forms a basis for the upcoming inquiry. The National Audit Office (NAO) will review the data, and the inquiry is planned for the new year.

The investigation will examine the Crown Estates leases with other members of the Royal Family, including Prince Edwards Bagshot Park lease and Thatched House Lodge in Richmond, London, where Princess Alexandra and her family reside.

Author: Sophia Brooks