Prince William to 'decide Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's destiny' at Royal Lodge

The Times revealed earlier this year that the Duke of York's lease states that Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 34, are permitted to inherit Royal Lodge.

The report claimed: "Rather than a grace and favour residence, Royal Lodge is let under a commercial lease agreement with the Crown Estate.

"Andrew paid an initial £1million with a notional rent understood to be £260,000 a year.

"If the duke dies, the lease can only pass to named members of his immediate family."

Property expert Natalie Mitchell from Home How spoke exclusively to GB News to explain how a lease from the Crown Estate operates concerning those who can inherit the property.

She said: "The ownership and leasing of property in the Crown Estate differs from that of normal residential homes.

"As part of the Crown Estate, Royal Lodge technically belongs to the current monarch.

"So, it belongs to King Charles for as long as he reigns.

"Ownership would then pass onto Prince William as he’s next in line to the throne.

"No part of the Crown Estate can be sold, that’s why a lease was agreed for Royal Lodge instead."

Therefore, as Prince William is first-in-line to the throne, he can technically decide who lives in the Crown Estate properties when the time comes.

But as Prince Andrew's lease states that "named members of his immediate family" will one day live in Royal Lodge, this will almost certainly be his two daughters.

Beatrice and Eugenie appear to share a close relationship with their cousin, the Prince of Wales.

At Royal Ascot earlier this year, William and his cousins were pictured enjoying the sunshine together.

Princess Beatrice even stepped in for the Prince of Wales at an Earthshot Prize event in June, as William was otherwise engaged during the Japanese State Visit.

Reports have suggested that King Charles is keen for his younger brother to leave Royal Lodge and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Marke.

Earlier this year, the Duchess of York did not deny a growing feud between the Duke of York and the monarch when asked about the subject.

She said: "I tend not to get involved in brothers' discussions and I think that's the best, most safe place to be, is to let the brothers discuss it between themselves."