PRINCE MICHAEL OF KENT'S ACCOMMODATION AT KENSINGTON PALACE

That this House notes the Press reports that, in future, ú125,000 a year is to be paid for the accommodation occupied at Kensington Palace by Prince Michael of Kent; calculate that at today's rental the Prince has already enjoyed a ú3 million gift from the taxpayer over the 24 years of his marriage; questions whether ú125,000 is the full market value of a seven bedroom, seven sitting room apartment adjoining the accommodation previously occupied by Princess Diana; notes that the rooms are on a truly palatial scale, whereas a more normal four bedroomed house nearby is being rented at more than ú95,000 p.a.; and invites the Royal Household to explain how the rental was arrived at when the apartment enjoys the benefit of being within a security screen.