Non-working royals Prince and Princess Michael of Kent have their living expenses covered for their Kensington Palace residence by the King, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office disclosed that the late Queen’s cousin and his spouse reside in one of the three properties within royal palaces designated for non-working members of the royal family. The Royal Household typically charges a reduced rate, approximately 60% of the market value, for leasing these properties, but the NAO report revealed inconsistencies in the set rates, including the lack of a valuation record for the Kents’ property until 2026.
The couple, often referred to as the “Rent-a-Kents,” previously faced scrutiny for paying a nominal rent of £69 per week for their lavish Apartment 10 in Kensington Palace, funded by taxpayers, despite not actively serving as working royals. In response to demands from MPs to pay the full rent, the late Queen intervened and offered to cover the rent at a commercial rate of £120,000 annually on their behalf until 2009.
However, the recent NAO report highlighted that the King now covers the rent for the Kents from the Privy Purse, honoring the late Queen’s commitment post-2009. The specific amount paid by the King for the rent remains undisclosed, but the NAO indicated a 34% increase in rent between 2020 and 2026, amounting to 63% of the 2026 market valuation.
In a separate revelation, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh signed a long lease in 2007 for Bagshot Park in Surrey, paying a nominal rent after an initial payment of £5 million. Princess Alexandra resides in Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park, paying an annual ground rent that adjusts over time. Marina Ogilvy, her daughter, holds a tenancy on a cottage in the Windsor Estate, paying an annual rent.
These revelations emerged from the National Audit Office’s examination of the Royal Family’s property arrangements, prompted by the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into the Crown Estate’s dealings with the royals. The report also unveiled Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s subletting of cottages at Royal Lodge, raising questions about the transparency and oversight of royal funding.
The Royal Household and The Crown Estate welcomed the NAO review, emphasizing their adherence to independent advice and market valuations in property leases with the royals. However, calls for further transparency and parliamentary scrutiny into royal funding have been voiced by critics, advocating for reforms to maintain public support for the monarchy.