Palace Response to National Audit Office
From a Palace spokesperson:
“We are grateful to the National Audit Office for this report, which is in line with The Royal Household’s commitment to transparency. We hope that the findings will help correct, clarify or contextualise a number of points regarding Royal properties. As the report notes, arrangements for properties managed by the Royal Household vary based on a number of factors to ensure residences are filled appropriately, depending on their location, tenants and purpose.”
I do wonder about one thing. In the case of close Royal Family members who live in Crown properties. Could it be that at least for “working royals”—like Sophie and Edward—that the small (peppercorn type) rent is justified as living in the house/property/estate is considered part of their support/pay as a working family member?
Of course this would not hold for Eugenie and Beatrice who have never been working family members. At the time Andrew moved into Royal Lodge, I guess he WAS considered a working family member. Perhaps his lease (and other leases) should have been tied to that.
Just a thought.
Commitment to transparency?Really?Wow!!! Thank you for your work, greatings and best wishes, Gertrud 🙏💐