Former Prince Andrew’s cheap rent at Royal Lodge has put spotlight on other members of the royal family as experts warn it could lead to major investigations.
According to reports, the former Duke of York pays very little for the $40 million mansion and other royals, like Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra, also benefit from low or subsidized rents.
Radar Online reported that critics are reportedly saying that these arrangements show a culture of privilege that may not sit well with the public and could prompt Parliament to look into how all royal properties are managed.
Norman Baker, a former politician, author, and expert on royal finances, said Andrew scandal reflects a "wider culture of questionable royal entitlement."
He called on the UK’s public accounts committee to review not just Andrew’s arrangements but all of the royal properties.
"What began as public outrage about Andrew paying a peppercorn rent has widened into the much broader issue,” Baker said.
He continued, "Edward paid a one-off sum of $6.7 million in 2007 for his 'forever' property, which equates to just over $334,000 a year even if he vacates tomorrow – far below the market rate.
"I asked for a list of these and whether market rents were being charged. The Crown Estate refused to provide that information. Perhaps the parliamentary committee will have better luck.
"The Palace also refused to tell me how many grace-and-favour residences the King controls in total. The most up-to-date figure I could find was 272, and that was in 1993."
However, a source close to palace claimed that “these royal rental arrangements have long been opaque.”
“The public has a right to know whether market rents are being charged, especially given that income from the Crown Estate goes directly to the Treasury."
