Pressure is mounting for Prince Andrew to leave his Windsor residence and withdraw from public life as the British populace is increasingly disenchanted with him, according to the shadow justice secretary.
Robert Jenrick expressed his belief that the royal figure has become a source of shame for both his family and the nation. He criticized the situation where taxpayers are effectively supporting his stay in a lavish 30-room house with his former spouse, Sarah Ferguson.
The call for Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, where he has resided for over two decades paying a nominal rent, intensified following revelations about his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Jenrick emphasized the public’s exhaustion with Prince Andrew and suggested it was time for him to reside in private.
Documents from the Crown Estate, responsible for managing royal properties, disclosed that in 2003, the Duke of York signed a 75-year lease for Royal Lodge, making an upfront payment of £1 million. Since then, he has paid a symbolic “peppercorn” rent annually if requested.
Furthermore, records from the National Audit Office revealed that Prince Andrew spent £7.5 million on renovating the Grade II-listed property in 2005. The lease agreement even includes a provision entitling him to approximately £558,000 in compensation from the Crown Estate if he surrenders the property.
Jenrick reiterated on BBC Radio 4’s Today program that taxpayers should not be financially supporting Prince Andrew’s luxurious accommodations any longer. Concerns are growing that the arrangement with the Duke may be detrimental to the profits of the Crown Estate, impacting the nation’s finances.
Parliamentary committees, including the Commons Treasury Committee and Public Accounts Committee, are expected to investigate the handling of the lease. Dame Meg Hillier stressed the importance of transparency when taxpayer money is involved, calling for accountability.
Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman, urged Prince Andrew to demonstrate remorse by repaying any outstanding rent owed during the period of his misconduct.
This controversy over his opulent lifestyle comes shortly after Prince Andrew announced his decision to relinquish his Duke of York title and military honors. The move coincided with renewed scrutiny of his association with Jeffrey Epstein and the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir accusing him of sexual misconduct, allegations he vehemently denies.