Did Tony Blair Help Sweeten Andrew's Royal Lodge Deal?
Tony Blair was the Prime Minister when a favorable arrangement was made in 2003, allowing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Prince Andrew, to reside at Royal Lodge under highly advantageous terms with the Crown Estate — effectively rent-free.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is now investigating Andrew’s 75-year lease on the property, signed two years after his appointment in 2001 as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, a position Blair helped create. The Treasury oversees the Crown Estate, raising questions about governmental involvement in the agreement.
“We need to know who knew what about that lease. Was there political involvement and if so, what did Blair know? The PAC should haul him in,” said one senior Tory source.
Blair reportedly admired Andrew during that period, prompting speculation that their good rapport may have influenced the favorable lease terms.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
During Thursday’s recording of Have I Got News For You, breaking news interrupted the show, announcing that Andrew was no longer a prince.
“The bad news is he’s become King,” joked panellist Paul Merton.
Host Jason Manford quickly clarified:
“He’s losing his lease on Royal Lodge… I’ve heard Rachel Reeves has a place to rent though.”
Author’s Summary
Questions persist over Tony Blair’s role in Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease, as scrutiny grows into possible political influence and the nature of the 2003 agreement.