Pressure is increasing for Prince Andrew to appear before Members of Parliament as demands grow for the disgraced royal to provide testimony to a select committee regarding the use of public funds. Speculation suggests that the 65-year-old is contemplating leaving his expansive 30-room Royal Lodge residence voluntarily, in light of the controversy surrounding 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 taxpayers have been subsidizing Andrew’s living arrangements. Emphasizing the need for accountability, Sir Ed stated that Prince Andrew, by tarnishing his position, should not receive special privileges at the expense of taxpayers. He proposed a thorough inquiry into the management of support by the Crown Estate, advocating for officials from both the Crown Estate and Prince Andrew to provide testimony to shed light on the matter.
Select committees, bipartisan bodies responsible for collecting evidence and presenting their conclusions to Parliament, could play a crucial role in this inquiry. Sir Ed highlighted the importance of transparency surrounding the taxpayer’s potential support for Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge, underscoring the necessity for clarity in this regard.
Acknowledging the overshadowing effect of the discussions on Prince Andrew’s activities, particularly in the aftermath of his stepping back from royal duties following scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Sir Ed stressed the importance of protecting the royal family amid the ongoing turmoil. As calls escalate in the United States for Andrew to testify on his observations, he vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Although in talks with aides of the King, Andrew appears hesitant to relinquish his residence of over two decades, with negotiations reportedly centering on the location of his new abode and financial compensation for lodge renovations. During discussions with the Palace, Andrew has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, while his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is eyeing a move to Adelaide Cottage after the departure of William and Kate.
When questioned about the provision for Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sir Ed refrained from making definitive statements, suggesting that final decisions on such matters should be left to others.