Did Tony Blair Help Sweeten Andrew's Royal Lodge Deal?
When Tony Blair served as Prime Minister, an agreement was made in 2003 allowing Prince Andrew to move into Royal Lodge under highly favorable terms. The arrangement, made with the Crown Estate, effectively let the then prince reside there without paying rent.
Now, there are growing calls for Sir Tony Blair to appear before the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as it reviews the lease granted to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at Royal Lodge.
Blair is also remembered for supporting Andrew’s appointment as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment in 2001, a role meant to enhance Britain’s global business connections. Two years later, Andrew secured a 75-year lease for Royal Lodge, which remains under Treasury oversight.
“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 a senior Tory source.
At the time, Blair was regarded as an admirer of Andrew, leading some to suggest this relationship could explain the favorable terms of the lease.
Public Reactions and Media Jokes
During Thursday’s taping of Have I Got News For You, the session was disrupted by breaking news that Andrew was no longer a Prince.
“The bad news is he’s become King,” joked panellist Paul Merton.
Presenter Jason Manford followed up with a quip: “He’s losing his lease on Royal Lodge… I’ve heard Rachel Reeves has a place to rent though.”
Author’s Summary
Questions resurface about Tony Blair’s role in Andrew’s lenient Royal Lodge lease, as political scrutiny and public satire bring renewed focus to the 2003 deal.