King Charles III has used his personal income to pay £1.5 million on behalf of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to cover liabilities for damage to and the deteriorated condition of Royal Lodge in Windsor.
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The sum was transferred to the Crown Estate, the institution responsible for managing the property, after the former prince’s lease agreement ended.
The BBC reports that the initial liability was estimated at £1.8 million. Around £300,000 was deducted from this amount, which Andrew was due to receive as compensation for the early termination of the contract, bringing the final payment to £1.5 million.
The Crown Estate confirmed the termination of the lease for Royal Lodge and receipt of the outstanding net amount. According to reports, the King’s financial intervention is intended to prevent a loss for the institution.
Andrew left the residence in February, at a time when controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual offences, intensified. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the matter. After leaving Royal Lodge, he moved to Sandringham, where the King has privately arranged his accommodation and maintenance costs.
Also in February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Meanwhile, a court ruling issued on Thursday called into question some elements of the search warrants used by police, according to the BBC. This process is separate from the financial agreement concerning Royal Lodge.
The residence’s 75-year lease was signed in 2003. Under the agreement, Andrew paid around £7.5 million upfront for repairs, which exempted him from having to make monthly rent payments. The contract also provided for compensation if it was terminated during the first 25 years.
