Prince William is reportedly preparing to implement tighter regulations governing royal residences when he ascends to the throne. According to reports, the future King is weighing a comprehensive review of royal housing arrangements as part of a wider push to modernize the monarchy and improve its financial efficiency.
At the heart of the proposed reforms is an end to arrangements permitting non-working royals to occupy royal properties without paying market-rate rent or carrying out official duties.
Sources cited by The Sunday Times indicate that William intends his reign to ensure the monarchy is “fit for purpose in the modern era”, alongside a thorough examination of the institution’s spending. William is also said to be scrutinizing the practice of subletting royal properties. This comes as William recently showed his true colors regarding his wife, Kate Middleton.
The move follows a National Audit Office (NAO) report that disclosed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been collecting rental income of up to £180,000 a year by subletting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate, which he leases from the Crown Estate.
• Trump’s ‘most beautiful’ assistant attends UFC fight with hubby after Karoline Leavitt snub
• Zendaya and Tom Holland’s ‘shift’ in relationship as they make red carpet appearance
The report further revealed that King Charles is covering the rent for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, at their respective homes at St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace, with the costs met through the Privy Purse, reports the Express.
The BBC notes this was the first review of royal residences in 20 years. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated the report was “in line with the Royal Household’s commitment to transparency”.
The report revealed that Mountbatten-Windsor had been sub-letting three cottages -Credit:Getty
As the eldest son of King Charles III, Prince William stands as heir apparent and first in line to the British throne. Upon his accession, he will rule as King William V.
There has been growing focus on how he might reshape the monarchy when he ultimately takes the crown.
During a conversation with Canadian actor Eugene Levy last year, William discussed his future role as king, sharing: “Change is on my agenda.
“Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it, that’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen.”