Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Ends Royal Lodge Lease Deal

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor officially surrendered the Royal Lodge lease in Windsor after leaving the property, with the Crown Estate confirming compensation terms on Thursday. The former prince received £302,000 after ending the agreement more than 50 years early.

The Crown Estate said the lease ended after Mountbatten-Windsor left the 30-room mansion, which will be considered for future use focused on generating financial value. The property was returned before the original 75-year lease from 2003 expired.

According to the Crown Estate, Mountbatten-Windsor paid £1.8m in repair and restoration costs during his lease. The BBC reported that King Charles covered the remaining £1.5m owed for repairs using his private income.

The Crown Estate spokesperson explained the organization’s position after the lease ended.

"The lease for Royal Lodge has ended and our focus now is firmly on its future use and the opportunities to generate additional financial value for the nation from its early return," said the Crown Estate spokesperson.

Mountbatten-Windsor originally avoided monthly rent payments after making upfront payments of about £7.5m for repairs when he took the lease in 2003. The agreement allowed compensation if surrendered within the first 25 years.

The former prince moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate after public scrutiny over his occupation of Royal Lodge and revelations connected to Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein.

The National Audit Office previously found that Mountbatten-Windsor received private income from subletting three cottages at the Royal Lodge estate, although the amount was not disclosed. The report also covered accommodation arrangements for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Thames Valley police search warrants used during an investigation were later ruled unlawful by the High Court after Mountbatten-Windsor challenged the legal basis used to obtain them. Police had searched Royal Lodge and his Sandringham residence after his arrest.

The Crown Estate said the property would be marketed by two nationally recognized agents for proposed future use. There are currently no plans for another royal occupant at Royal Lodge.