The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have incited anger by allegedly earning around £130,000 annually by subletting renovated stables on their £30 million estate, where they pay a nominal rent. The stables, situated near their 120-room residence leased from the Crown Estate at Bagshot Park, Surrey, have reportedly been rented out, with the profits going to Prince Edward and Sophie rather than taxpayers.
According to reports, a rental brochure revealed that the converted stables were advertised as office space for £10,834 per month or £130,008 per year. The stables, located 400 meters from the main house, were temporarily withdrawn from the market in December amid inquiries from the Public Accounts Committee regarding the financial aspects of royal residences.
It has been mentioned that the stables are undergoing refurbishment with plans to relist them in the market this summer. Critics argue that Edward, the King’s youngest brother, already enjoys favorable terms to reside at Bagshot Park, having initially leased the Crown Estate property in March 1998 for £50,000 per year, which later increased to £90,000 annually after renovations costing £1.36 million.
Allegedly, Edward’s lease was extended in 2007 through an agreement with Eclipse Nominees Limited, where he paid £5 million upfront for a 150-year lease but now pays only a nominal rent. Sources suggest that the payment of a nominal rent aligns with standard market practices for long-leasehold residential properties after significant capital investments are made.
Norman Baker, the former Lib Dem Home Affairs minister, expressed concerns regarding the situation, emphasizing that any profits from the stables should rightfully benefit the Crown Estate, whose earnings directly contribute to the Treasury. He highlighted the disparity where taxpayers might be losing out due to this arrangement.
Royal expert Margaret Holder acknowledged the lucrative aspect of the deal, particularly considering the existing nominal rent. However, she called for a thorough review of lease agreements to ascertain if any parties are unduly benefiting from advantageous deals.
The last known tenant of the stables reportedly vacated the premises in October 2025, with current information indicating that the property is neither rented out nor listed on the market. The stables, known as the East Wing Stable Block, offer a 6,667 sq ft, two-story office space with desirable amenities and convenient access to nearby facilities.
The Public Accounts Committee initiated an inquiry into the Crown Estate amid public scrutiny over lease arrangements, contrasting with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s active royal roles. Proceeds from the Crown Estate, which manages a vast property portfolio, are directed to public expenditure.
In summary, the situation involving the subletting of stables on the royal estate has raised concerns and prompted calls for transparency and fairness in such agreements.