Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have faced criticism for paying minimal rent for Royal Lodge over the past two decades. In 2003, Andrew secured a 75-year lease for the 30-room Windsor property and has resided there with his ex-wife since then, despite withdrawing from public duties.
Reports reveal that after an initial £1 million payment for the lease, Andrew has only paid a nominal “one peppercorn” rent per year, if demanded. The maintenance costs for the property amount to millions annually, raising questions about Andrew’s financial capacity to sustain it.
Calls have intensified for Andrew and Sarah to vacate the Royal Lodge, following their decision to relinquish their royal titles amidst the Epstein scandal. This is not the first instance where the couple has faced scrutiny for their extravagant spending habits related to a royal residence.
Upon their marriage in 1986, the couple received numerous lavish gifts, including the offer of a royal property funded by the late Queen. Subsequently, the couple began constructing their own home, Sunninghill Park, with financial assistance from the Queen.
However, excessive spending on the construction led to the Queen intervening to curb their expenditures. The Queen’s disapproval of their financial decisions became evident when they overshot their budget, prompting a halt in financial support from the Palace.
In an attempt to secure additional funds, Fergie arranged a deal with Hello! Magazine for a photo spread in exchange for £200,000, a move criticized by some for its lack of decorum. The couple eventually moved into Sunninghill Park in 1990, prior to their separation in 1992 and subsequent divorce in 1996.
In 2002, Andrew and Fergie put Sunninghill Park on the market for £12 million but struggled to sell the property, leading to its eventual deterioration due to lack of maintenance.