Members of Parliament may potentially discuss Prince Andrew’s conduct, his expansive 30-room estate, and the likelihood of him losing his dukedom. The Government has, to date, refrained from allocating time in the House of Commons for MPs to deliberate on Andrew’s situation, as the Royal family prefers Parliament’s focus to remain on pressing matters.
Nonetheless, there is a possibility that the issue could arise on days when ministers do not dictate the parliamentary agenda. A source from the Liberal Democrat party hinted to the Sunday Times that they might consider utilizing one of their opposition days to enable MPs to address Andrew’s behavior.
Reportedly, the prince is contemplating vacating his Royal Lodge residence amidst the controversy surrounding the nominal rent for the Windsor property. Discussions are said to be ongoing with representatives of Charles, but Andrew is hesitant to relinquish the home he has occupied for over two decades, citing concerns about the new residence’s location and financial compensation for lodge-related expenses.
In an effort to quell years of turmoil following allegations by Virginia Giuffre, Andrew announced his renouncement of his dukedom and other titles before the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. However, despite vehemently denying the accusations, the prince faced severe criticism primarily focusing on the property he has essentially lived in rent-free since 2003.
According to the guidelines outlined in Erskine May, discussions on the conduct of the sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other royal family members should not be conducted unless based on a substantive motion in proper terms. With the Government’s reluctance to propose a motion for discussing Andrew due to the Royal family’s wishes, an opposition day debate could serve as a platform for MPs to express their concerns.
A source from the Liberal Democrats emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, advocating for the Crown Estate and Prince Andrew to provide testimony under oath in Parliament. The party has one remaining opposition day in this parliamentary session, pending allocation by the government for its use in the national interest.
The source suggested that they hoped for the King’s engagement in the matter, expressing a desire for any necessary parliamentary action to align with the Palace’s guidance. Despite Andrew relinquishing the use of his Duke of York title, only an act of Parliament has the authority to officially strip him of it.