There’s a storm brewing over Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge! Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has raised eyebrows about whether his lease at the grand 30-room mansion is a smart spend of public money. Andrew, no longer a working royal after a series of controversies, pays a mere “peppercorn” rent—quite the bargain, right?
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, head of the committee, has asked for explanations from the Treasury and the Crown Estate about the lease and potential taxpayer involvement in property upkeep. He’s also questioning whether it’s time for Andrew to move on, considering his changed status and past controversies involving Jeffrey Epstein.
As pressure mounts on Andrew and the monarchy to sort this out, people are asking: is this really the best use of taxpayer resources? Plus, reports have emerged of Epstein’s questionable guest list at the Lodge back in the day, piling more scrutiny on Andrew.
While some MPs are itching for a debate in Parliament, the government is staying tight-lipped, prioritising other issues. Yet whispers in the corridors suggest this hot topic won’t cool down any time soon.
Let us know your thoughts: Fair deal or overdue change?