A newly disclosed agreement has revealed that the Duke of York has not paid monetary rent for his residence at the Royal Lodge for more than two decades. The arrangement, formalized in 2003, shows the Duke made a substantial upfront payment to secure the long-term lease and funded extensive renovations to the property.
According to the terms, the multimillion-pound renovation costs were effectively treated as a prepayment of rent, covering what would have been a significant annual sum. The agreement further stipulates that should the Duke vacate the 30-room estate before the lease expires in 2078, he would be owed a considerable reimbursement.
The disclosure has prompted renewed questions about the transparency of royal finances and the Duke’s ability to maintain the costly property without a visible source of income. This comes amid a period of significant change for the Duke, who recently relinquished his use of royal titles and military affiliations following discussions within the family.
The situation is viewed by observers as part of a broader effort to address reputational concerns and distance the monarchy from past controversies. The Duke’s previous associations have been a persistent source of scrutiny, and his current living arrangements are now a focal point for those calling for greater clarity regarding the funding of royal lifestyles.
