Parliament's spending watchdog has raised concerns over whether Prince Andrew's lease arrangements are "achieving the best value for money", amid increased scrutiny over the cost of his accommodation at the Windsor mansion.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) asked the Crown Estate and Treasury to explain the rationale behind the lease on the 30-room Royal Lodge by 28 November.
Prince Andrew took a 75-year lease on the property in 2003 and paid a large amount up front, including for renovations, in effect, so there would be no rent liability.
There has been increased focus on the prince over his links with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The prince has always denied any wrongdoing.
When he took on the lease Prince Andrew had to pay £5m for renovations, £2.5m towards rent in advance, an extra £1m premium, and then in practice an extra £2.5m for renovations, according to the National Audit Office and Crown Estate.
