Prince Andrew faces scrutiny over Royal Lodge residence and Duke of York title as pressure mounts from parliament and palace
LONDON: Britain’s Prince Andrew continues to face intense scrutiny over his living arrangements and royal titles following fresh allegations from Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers.
Speculation is growing that King Charles III may force his brother to vacate his 30-room Royal Lodge residence on the Windsor Castle estate.
Domestic news agencies broadcast live footage of the Windsor estate entrance over the weekend anticipating further developments in the ongoing scandal.
Some lawmakers are pushing for a parliamentary motion to formally strip Andrew of his Duke of York title despite his recent announcement that he would no longer use it.
A House of Commons debate about royal conduct would be unprecedented in modern British parliamentary history.
The timing of any potential debate remains unclear and any motion would likely be non-binding but would increase pressure on the monarchy.
Virginia Giuffre’s recently published memoir contains detailed allegations that she had sex with Andrew three times including when she was just 17 years old.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and settled Giuffre’s civil sexual assault case with a multi-million dollar payment in 2022.
Giuffre died by suicide in April at age 41 while Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
The Times newspaper revealed this week that Andrew has not paid rent for two decades on his Royal Lodge home where he lives with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
This arrangement stems from a 2003 deal with the Crown Estate which manages the royal family’s property holdings.
British newspapers report ongoing discussions between the king and prince about Andrew vacating the Windsor property.
The Sunday Times described the situation as a pincer movement from both parliament and Buckingham Palace to remove Andrew’s titles and banish him from Windsor.
Andrew might agree to move if offered financial compensation and suitable alternative accommodation according to reports.
The Daily Mail reported that Prince William and his family plan to move near Royal Lodge and want Andrew to leave before their arrival.
The Liberal Democrat party with 72 MPs is among those demanding a parliamentary debate about Andrew’s status.
A party source stated they need to explore all options regarding Andrew’s residence and dukedom through proper parliamentary scrutiny.
The source added that parliament should be led by the king on this matter and hopes any action would be coordinated with the palace. – AFP
