Drama Over Former Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge Residence Results In Probe For The Royal Family

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, continues to be a source of turmoil for the royal family.

Beyond the ongoing scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the monarchy is now facing questions about its financial management, following revelations that Andrew paid only a token amount to live in the lavish royal lodge. 

Meanwhile, Andrew has been stripped of his titles and royal privileges, a loss that sources say has left him devastated.

Before the disgraced Prince surrendered his tenancy at the Windsor Estate where he had lived for over two decades, the terms of his lease required him to pay only "one peppercorn (if demanded) per annum." 

When this detail became public, the arrangement sparked widespread outrage over whether taxpayers were getting any value from the deal.

Now, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a full investigation as of December 2nd into whether Crown Estate properties are being properly managed, with Royal Lodge at the center of the inquiry, Daily Mail confirmed. MPs have challenged the Crown Estate to justify Andrew's highly favorable lease and prove it benefits taxpayers.

When the allegations against the former Duke of York intensified, the PAC requested detailed explanations regarding his living arrangements back in October. 

The responses have only recently been received, with committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown stating that “the information provided clearly forms the beginnings of a basis for an inquiry.”

He added, “We now await the conclusions the National Audit Office will draw from this information, and plan to hold an inquiry based on the resulting evidence base in the new year.”

In that same month, the PAC reached out to the Crown Estate to address major concerns over Andrew's living arrangements. 

In a formal letter, Sir Geoffrey questioned whether it was still appropriate for Andrew to benefit from such a favorable lease given his changed status. 

He demanded up-to-date lease details noting that “any reduced or foregone lease income, including from the Royal Lodge, reduces the Crown Estate's annual surplus and therefore would be a cost to taxpayers.”

Sir Geoffrey further asked the Crown Estate to justify the minimal rent charged and confirm whether Andrew has fulfilled his responsibilities for repairs and maintenance without drawing on public funds.

The investigation comes just two months after King Charles formally began removing his younger brother's remaining honors and privileges in light of the serious allegations against him.

As The Blast previously reported, a Palace statement released on October 30 read: "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew."

He was also served an eviction notice from the 30-room mansion set in 98 acres of Windsor Great Park, which he shared with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. 

In the latest move, King Charles has ordered that Andrew's name be removed from the official rolls of the Order of the Garter, Britain's highest and most historic order of chivalry. 

In the aftermath of losing his privileges, insiders claim that the 65-year-old is in a “dark and fragile condition” and is struggling to cope with the repercussions.

According to The Blast, Andrew’s well-being is a growing cause of concern among his family, who fear he may take a terrifying move amid the sudden change in status. 

'There is real panic behind the scenes," the insider said. "Andrew is now completely isolated and feels he's lost everything - his title, his home, his dignity. The family is terrified he might do something drastic. He's told people he has nothing left to live for."

As Andrew navigates losing his royal standing, allegations about his connection with Jeffrey Epstein continue to emerge.

Per The Blast, new claims from a lawyer, Perry Wander, who represents an unnamed actress Andrew dated in the late 1990s, showed that Andrew was aware of Epstein’s conduct with women before he met Virginia Giuffre.

This incident reportedly occurred a year before Epstein trafficked Giuffre to London. According to the actress, she told Andrew that Epstein had acted "inappropriately" toward her, and he allegedly responded that he was "not surprised," noting that another person had made similar accusations.

Despite Andrew's awareness of Epstein's behavior, he allegedly introduced the actress to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, encouraging her to spend time with them and “trust” their guidance.