Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what accommodation within the occupied royal palaces is allocated to Prince Michael of Kent and his staff; on what basis the rent is determined; on what basis rent is updated; when he first occupied this accommodation; by how much it has increased to its current level; and what other costs he incurs. [159153]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthPrince Michael of Kent occupies an apartment at Kensington Palace. No staff are provided with residential accommodation. When Prince Michael was granted his licence to occupy the apartment in 1979 it was on a rent-free basis. However, he makes a £3,500 contribution each year towards the cost of maintenance. The contribution is increased in line with inflation. All utility costs are paid by Prince Michael.