After Prime Minister’s Questions last week, Ms Badenoch’s spokesman said there was “a case for a review” of the report from 2005.
It is understood that the NAO reviews the situation at Royal Lodge as part of its annual audit of the Crown Estate. However, this is just to ensure funds are properly accounted for and does not amount to a reassessment of value for money.
Prince Andrew moved into the property, the former home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, following her death in 2002.
He signed a 75-year lease in 2003 after paying an initial down payment of £1m and a promise – which he kept – to spend £7.5m on renovations. The Lodge, which includes extensive grounds and eight cottages, is worth at least £30m.
‘One peppercorn’ in rent per year
A copy of the leasehold agreement shows that the Prince has paid “one peppercorn” in rent per year, “if demanded”, for more than 20 years.
The revelation has raised concerns that the public could have been deprived of potential income from the Prince’s property, given that profits from the Crown Estate are handed to the Treasury.
The Royal Lodge agreement also says that the Crown Estate would need to pay Prince Andrew about £558,000 to cut the lease short and move out this year.
Last week, No 10 refused to say whether any taxpayer funds could be used to cover the cost of the early exit.
The Lib Dems have now demanded “clarity” from the Government on the issue, insisting people “deserve to know” how their money is being spent.
The party is considering using its next Opposition Day debate in Parliament to force a discussion on officially removing the Prince’s Duke of York title.
Lisa Smart, the Lib Dem cabinet office spokesman, told The Telegraph: “By disgracing his office, Prince Andrew has relinquished any rights to special treatment at the expense of the taxpayer. The Government needs to provide clarity. Taxpayers deserve to know.
“The first thing we need is proper transparency and accountability – that’s why the Liberal Democrats have already called for the Crown Estate and Prince Andrew to give evidence under oath in Parliament before a select committee.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.telegraph.co.uk ’
