Inside Princess Eugenie’s secret life in Portugal | Royal | News
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice pay no rent for their royal residences in London, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). King Charles covers the costs using private income from the Duchy of Lancaster via the Privy Purse, despite the sisters not serving as working royals.
The NAO investigation found that the rent for Princess Eugenie’s three-bedroom Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace and Princess Beatrice’s apartment at St James’s Palace is fully funded by the King. This revelation sparked public backlash, as both women maintain primary residences outside the UK.
Why is there a backlash over the royal rent payments?
The National Audit Office report revealed that the adjusted rents for the residences were based on outdated market valuations from 2018 and 2020. The investigation noted that these figures were used instead of consistent current-year calculations.
Public fury grew because the King foots the bill from his private income while the sisters do not hold official roles as working royals. The report highlights that this arrangement persists even though the sisters spend significant time at other homes.
Where does Princess Eugenie live outside of London?
Princess Eugenie splits her time between the UK and Portugal. Her husband, Jack Brooksbank, accepted a position as a marketing executive with the Discovery Land Company in 2022.
The couple resides at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Comporta, one of several luxury resorts operated by the company. Eugenie told the Table Manners podcast in 2023 that Portugal is “the dream” because she can visit the supermarket in exercise gear without feeling judged.
In 2024, Eugenie told Hello! magazine that her sons enjoy the Portuguese coast. She noted that while the sea is rougher, her son Augie “literally loves it,” mentioning the presence of whales and dolphins in the area.
Will Prince William change the housing arrangements?
Reports suggest Prince William may adopt a more stringent approach to royal housing and roles once he becomes king. While King Charles is described as fond of his nieces, the heir’s future strategy remains uncertain.
Chris Riches of the Daily Express stated that Prince William has a “huge call” to make regarding his future lineup of working royals and whether the sisters will be included in that group.
Despite the scrutiny, the sisters appeared with the Royal Family last Saturday in the Cotswolds for the wedding of Harriet to Peter Phillips. The Prince of Wales was observed greeting them warmly during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the rent for Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice?
King Charles pays the full amount using his private income from the Duchy of Lancaster via the Privy Purse.
Where is Princess Eugenie’s primary residence in Portugal?
She lives at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Comporta, where her husband works for the Discovery Land Company.
What was the issue with the rent valuations in the NAO report?
The investigation found that rent was based on outdated market valuations from 2018 and 2020 rather than current-year calculations.
Do you think non-working royals should be required to pay market rent for official residences?