The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have caused outrage by reportedly earning around £130,000 annually by subletting renovated stables on their £30 million estate, where they pay a nominal rent. The stables, located near their main house at Bagshot Park in Surrey, have been rented out by Prince Edward and Sophie, diverting profits to them instead of the public.
According to a rental brochure seen by Mirror, the stables were advertised as office space for £10,834 per month or £130,008 per year. Although currently unoccupied, the stables were taken off the market in December following inquiries by the Public Accounts Committee regarding royal property financing.
Plans are underway to refurbish the stables for a re-listing in the coming summer. Critics argue that Prince Edward already benefits from a favorable arrangement at Bagshot Park, having leased the Crown Estate property for £50,000 per year in 1998, which later increased to £90,000 annually post-renovation.
It is believed that Edward’s lease was extended in 2007 under a deal with Eclipse Nominees Limited, where he paid an upfront fee of £5 million for a 150-year lease, now paying only a nominal rent. This rent structure aligns with standard market practices for long-leasehold residential properties with significant investments.
Norman Baker, a former Home Affairs minister, criticized the situation, emphasizing that profits from the stables should rightfully go to the Crown Estate, benefiting taxpayers. Margaret Holder, a royal expert, acknowledged the lucrative nature of the arrangement but called for scrutiny of lease deals to ensure fairness.
The stables, last occupied in October 2025, are currently vacant and not up for rent. Situated on a 51-acre estate near Bracknell, the East Wing Stable Block offers modern office amenities such as open-plan spaces, meeting rooms, and ample parking, making it an attractive commercial space.
The controversy surrounding royal property deals has sparked inquiries by the Public Accounts Committee, particularly in light of past instances like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s rent deal. Unlike Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are actively working royals, with Crown Estate profits contributing to public spending.
Overall, the situation has raised concerns over the transparency and fairness of lease agreements involving royal properties, prompting calls for a thorough review by authorities to ensure accountability and equity.
