The Crown Estate has come under fresh criticism from MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, following revelations about Prince Andrew’s lease of Royal Lodge.

Prince Andrew has leased the 30-room Windsor mansion since 2003, making an upfront payment of around £8 million for a 75-year agreement. Under the arrangement, he pays little or no annual rent - described as a “peppercorn” sum - while being responsible for the upkeep and refurbishment of the property.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that it is in the taxpayers' interest to investigate how the Crown Estate is spending its revenue.

Mr Chadwick said: “Earlier this year, I highlighted how the Crown Estate is charging Welsh farmers hundreds of pounds a year just to access their own land, in addition to the Government refusing to devolve the profit from its renewable energy portfolio in Wales to Welsh communities.

“It’s a disgrace that Welsh farmers being forced to pay the Crown Estate to access their own land will now effectively be paying Prince Andrew's rent.”

“The Public Accounts Committee should urgently establish an inquiry into the Crown Estate and how it is managing taxpayers’ money,” he added.

The MP’s comments follow intervention in the House of Commons by Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, who called on the Prime Minister to allow a select committee inquiry into the arrangements, including evidence from Prince Andrew. The Prime Minister agreed that proper scrutiny of the Crown Estate was important.

Mr Davey has since written to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

The Crown Estate operates as an independent property company, generating revenue from property and renewable energy holdings in Wales and across the UK. Critics have long called for profits from Welsh land and renewables to be devolved to local communities, rather than being absorbed centrally.