Pressure is increasing for Prince Andrew to appear before Members of Parliament (MPs). There are growing demands for the disgraced royal to provide testimony to a select committee regarding the use of public funds. The 65-year-old is said to be considering leaving his 30-room Royal Lodge residence voluntarily amid controversy over the nominal rent he currently pays for the property in Windsor.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged the Public Accounts Committee to launch an investigation into whether taxpayer money has been used to support Andrew’s living arrangements. He emphasized that as Prince Andrew has tarnished his position, he should not receive special privileges at the expense of taxpayers, with Parliament serving as their guardians.
Sir Ed proposed a select committee inquiry to examine how the Crown Estate has managed its support, suggesting that officials from both the Crown Estate and Prince Andrew should provide testimony for transparency. He has written to the chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who plans to seek further information on the lease agreements for Royal Lodge.
Select committees, bipartisan groups that gather evidence and report findings to Parliament, may take up the issue if necessary. Sir Ed emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, stating that the royal family must be safeguarded despite being placed in a difficult situation due to Andrew’s actions.
Discussions about Andrew have reportedly overshadowed the King’s activities, such as his poignant moment praying with the Pope. Following revelations about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew stepped back from his official royal duties.
In the United States, calls are growing for Andrew to testify about his knowledge of the situation, although he vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Negotiations between Andrew and the King’s aides are ongoing, but he is hesitant to give up his residence of over two decades, with unresolved issues including the location of his new home and financial compensation for lodge renovations.
During exit talks with the Palace, Andrew has reportedly expressed interest in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former residence, Frogmore Cottage. Meanwhile, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, with whom Andrew currently resides, is considering moving into nearby Adelaide Cottage once Prince William and Kate vacate next month.
When asked about the provision for the Prince’s ex-wife, Sir Ed remarked that it is subject to further deliberation by relevant parties.
