Prince Andrew’s ‘peppercorn rent’ explained as royal family are issued warning

Legal experts have warned that the royal family would be 'wasting their time' by attempting to remove Prince Andrew from the Royal Lodge.

This is down to a reported iron-clad 75-year lease agreement that means he's entitled to stay there, while only paying 'peppercorn rent' - we'll get into that in a moment.

But first of all, for those who need a reminder of what's going on, on Friday (17 October) the former Duke of York, 65, gave up all of his titles and honours following more details emerging over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The news emerged just days before publication of his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which includes a slew of damning allegations against the royal, including that he slept with her on three separate occasions when she was a minor. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

In the wake of the fresh accusations, some royal fans have been calling for Andrew to lose his Royal Lodge in Windsor, a 30-room estate where he and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson still live.

However, this is looking more and more unlikely - here's why.

Prince Andrew's 'peppercorn rent' has sparked confusion - here's what it means (Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

What is Prince Andrew's 'peppercorn rent'?

On Tuesday, (21 October), The Times revealed they'd obtained a copy of the leasehold agreement for royal residence, revealing the terms under which Andrew lives there.

It included the bombshell that he has not paid any monetary rent on the property for two decades.

The documents allege that while the prince did fork out £1 million for the lease, as well £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, he has only paid 'one peppercorn (if demanded)' in rent per year, since 2003.

And, Andrew and his family are entitled to live in the sprawling property until 2078, so it looks like they won't be upping sticks any time soon.

Peppercorn rent is a legal term for very low or nominal rent, which is used to satisfy the requirement for the creation of a legally binding lease contract document.

Essentially, it keeps things legal while being so low of an amount that its function is simply symbolic rather than anything else.

Andrew currently lives in the Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (Max Mumby/Indigo/Contributor/Getty Images)

Will Prince Andrew keep living in the Royal Lodge?

As we say, with people calling for Andrew to leave the royal residence, legal experts have been weighing in on the likelihood.

Property lawyer Mike Hansom, a partner at BLB Solicitors, told the Mail that the royal family would have a tough job if they did want to remove Andrew from his home.

The lawyer warned: "Any attempt to get Andrew out would be a waste of time as he bought the house on a 75-year lease agreement and therefore is legally entitled to live in the property until 2078."

He explained: "He would either have to agree to leave by mutual consent or can only be forced to leave if he has failed to adhere to the tenants covenants in the lease, which is unlikely."

Property expert and estate agent Henry Sherwood agreed: "He has lease to rent it but there is a peppercorn agreement so he only pays a nominal amount, usually just £1 so they can say he pays for it.

"Unless there are any break clauses then the lease is valid for the full term and he cannot be evicted. However, they may be able to find an ancient by law, etcetera, saying only available to royalty."

Tyla has contacted Prince Andrew's representatives for comment.