Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have faced criticism once again as it has been revealed that they have paid minimal rent for Royal Lodge for more than two decades. In 2003, Andrew signed a 75-year lease for the 30-room residence in Windsor, where he has lived with his former spouse despite withdrawing from public duties.
Reports indicate that after initially paying £1 million for the lease, Andrew has only given “one peppercorn” of rent per year “if demanded.” The maintenance costs for the property amount to millions annually, sparking concerns about Andrew’s financial capacity.
Calls for Andrew and Sarah to vacate the Royal Lodge have intensified following their decision to relinquish their royal titles amidst the Epstein scandal. This is not the first instance where the couple has faced scrutiny over their spending habits related to a royal residence.
When they got married at Westminster Abbey in 1986, they received lavish gifts, including a promise of a royal home funded by the late Queen. With a £250,000 cash gift from the Queen, they began constructing their Berkshire home, Sunninghill Park.
However, their extravagant plans faced resistance from the Queen, who intervened to prevent overspending on the property. Despite hitting their budget limit, the couple proceeded with the project, leading to financial strain on the royal family.
In a bid to finance the project, Fergie turned to unconventional methods, such as arranging a magazine photoshoot with Hello! Magazine for £200,000. This move drew criticism from the Queen and Prince Philip for its perceived lack of decorum.
Andrew and Fergie eventually moved into Sunninghill Park in October 1990, just two years before announcing their separation. Following their divorce in 1996, they put the property on the market in 2002 for £12 million, which remained unsold for five years before falling into disrepair.
The couple’s history of extravagant spending on royal residences has attracted public attention, raising questions about their financial decisions and relationships with the royal family.