MPs may potentially discuss Prince Andrew’s conduct, his expansive 30-room estate, and the potential removal of his title in parliamentary debates.
The Government has not allocated time in the House of Commons for MPs to deliberate on Andrew’s situation, as the Royal family prefers Parliament to focus on more pressing matters.
Nonetheless, there is a possibility that the topic could arise on days when ministers do not control the parliamentary agenda. A source from the Liberal Democrat party hinted at the likelihood of using one of their opposition days to facilitate discussions on Andrew’s behavior.
Reportedly, the prince is contemplating vacating his Royal Lodge residence amid the controversy surrounding the nominal rent he pays for the property in Windsor.
Discussions are said to be ongoing between the King’s representatives and Andrew regarding his potential relocation, with concerns mainly revolving around the new residence’s location and financial reimbursement for expenses incurred at the lodge.
In an attempt to quell years of controversy after facing allegations of misconduct from Virginia Giuffre, Andrew renounced his dukedom and other honors ahead of the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs. However, the prince, denying the accusations, faced severe criticism centered on his nearly rent-free occupancy of the property since 2003.
According to the guidelines in Erskine May, discussions about the conduct of members of the royal family should be based on a substantive motion to avoid casting reflections during debates. Given the Government’s reluctance to initiate discussions on Andrew, an opposition day debate could provide an avenue for MPs to express their concerns.
A source from the Liberal Democrats emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in scrutinizing various aspects, from Andrew’s residency at Royal Lodge to his title. The party has one opposition day remaining in this parliamentary session, awaiting the Government’s schedule to determine the timing of debates.
The Liberal Democrat insider expressed hope that the King would take decisive action, suggesting that any parliamentary intervention should align with the Palace’s direction. Despite Andrew relinquishing the use of his Duke of York title, only an act of Parliament can officially strip him of it.