Prince Andrew Holds Rent-Free Windsor Mansion Amid UAE Palace Ownership, Stirring Public Criticism

Prince Andrew, brother to King Charles III, resides rent-free in a 30-room Windsor mansion under a contract made over 20 years ago, which required an upfront payment of over £8 million covering renovations and fees, allowing him to avoid rent until 2078. This arrangement has sparked public criticism and renewed calls from UK MPs, like Robert Jenrick, for Andrew to retreat from public life and stop burdening taxpayers, as he has been embroiled in scandal and controversy related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Besides the Windsor estate, Andrew reportedly owns a fully-staffed palace in Abu Dhabi, gifted by the UAE's ruling family, though he finds it too quiet and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, dislikes the heat there. King Charles and his son Prince William, along with Princess Kate, are keen to see Andrew and Sarah Ferguson move out of the Royal Lodge, aiming for a quieter, more private life for Andrew away from the public eye. The disclosures about Andrew's living arrangements and financial dealings have intensified scrutiny of the royal family's property and spending, further fueling debate about his role and expenses covered by the public.