Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's controversial sub-letting at his former home of Royal Lodge has been defended by the Chief of the Crown Estate. Dan Labbad, who occupies the position of The chief of the Crown Estate, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday. The meeting was in front of MPs and it included discussing the controversial arrangements around Andrew's former home.
While King Charles' brother was paying a mere "peppercorn rent" to live there, he was also sub-letting properties on site for a profit.
© Getty ImagesDan defended the decision by saying: "Those potential income streams were taken into account in determining what best value was at the time." He also stressed that this process is fairly commonplace.
The exact amount Andrew earned from sub-letting was not revealed at the meeting, but James Chalmers, the King's keeper of the privy purse, did explain that these are figures that can be obtained in the future.
MP comments on Andrew's controversy
© Getty ImagesMPs have previously expressed their disapproval over Andrew's former arrangements.
Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker described the arrangements as "outrageous", arguing that any profits generated from the cottages should have been returned to the Crown Estate rather than retained privately.
"The whole thing is outrageous," he said. "It shows an absolute total contempt for the taxpayer, not only that Andrew was able to have a peppercorn rent for a gigantic property, but then to make potentially millions on the side from subletting properties."
Andrew's new home
© UK Press via Getty ImagesAndrew now appears to live completely rent-free on King Charles' private Sandringham Estate, which is not a Crown Estate owned residence.
The former royal lives at Marsh Farm, which is a former working farmhouse. Outside, there are several outbuildings and stables dotted around the grounds.
Before Andrew moved in, the home was fitted with lights and security cameras and a new wooden fence was installed around the perimeter of the property for added security and privacy. While these features were added, Andrew stayed at the neighbouring Wood Farm, the retirement property of his late father, Prince Philip.
Other royal homes under the spotlight
© UK Press via Getty ImagesThe original report also shone a light on the living arrangements of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, revealing that King Charles personally covers the cost of their accommodation within royal residences through his private Duchy of Lancaster income.
Princess Eugenie lives at Ivy Cottage within Kensington Palace grounds, while Princess Beatrice occupies an apartment at St James's Palace.
Both Eugenie and Beatrice are non-working royals and also have their own properties with their respective husbands, so some would argue that their grace-and-favour residences are unnecessary.
