Prince Andrew is under renewed scrutiny following allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, accusing him of feeling entitled to have a relationship with her and revealing his aides’ attempt to hire online trolls to attack her.
The disclosures have triggered anger in Westminster, with Shadow Minister Robert Jenrick urging Andrew to withdraw completely from public life. Jenrick criticized Andrew for bringing shame to the royal family and suggested that taxpayers should not continue to support him.
There is increasing pressure on Andrew, who denies any wrongdoing, to give up his extensive 30-bedroom royal residence, which he has occupied for over two decades at a nominal rent.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has proposed a parliamentary motion to strip Andrew of his dukedom, following concerns raised by MP Rachael Maskell about his title bearing the name of their city.
Campaign group Republic has called for a thorough investigation into the royal family’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein and efforts to shield Andrew. Demonstrators from the anti-monarchy group displayed banners demanding transparency and an inquiry outside Royal Lodge.
An YouGov survey revealed that 80% of Britons support the official removal of Prince Andrew’s dukedom. The poll indicated strong public sentiment for stripping Andrew of his title, with only a small percentage opposing the idea.
Senior Tory Robert Jenrick emphasized the need for Andrew to live privately, echoing public sentiment that taxpayers should not subsidize his luxury accommodations. Additionally, parliamentary committees may examine the management of Andrew’s residence by the Crown Estate.
Legal experts suggest that attempting to evict Andrew from Royal Lodge would be challenging due to the terms of his long-term lease agreement. The lease, signed in 2003, involves a significant upfront payment and a nominal annual rent, making eviction unlikely.
In response to the mounting calls for Andrew to relinquish his titles and residence, Downing Street refrained from commenting on potential legislative action. The Prime Minister’s spokesman emphasized support for the royal family’s decisions and expressed concern for Epstein’s victims.
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir sheds light on her interactions with Prince Andrew, prompting her family to urge the police watchdog to review the decision to halt investigations into her allegations. The Liberal Democrats have called for Andrew to repay any outstanding rent for his residence.
Giuffre’s book, released posthumously, details her experiences with Epstein and Andrew, aiming to raise awareness about abuse and fund anti-trafficking initiatives. The book launch has reignited public interest in the ongoing scandal surrounding Prince Andrew.