Prince Andrew could face new low amid demand for ‘transparency’

The conduct of Prince Andrew, his 30-room mansion and the potential stripping of his dukedom could be debated by MPs.

Despite the Government’s refusal to allocate time in the House of Commons for a discussion on Andrew’s situation, due to the Royal family’s desire for Parliament to focus on “important issues”, the topic could still be raised on days when ministers do not control the parliamentary timetable.

A source from the Liberal Democrat party hinted to the Sunday Times that they might be willing to use one of their opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.

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Following the uproar over the “peppercorn” rent for his Windsor property, the prince is reportedly considering voluntarily leaving his Royal Lodge home.

Negotiations are said to be ongoing with representatives of Charles, but Andrew is hesitant to abandon his residence of over 20 years. The main sticking points are believed to be the location of his new home and financial compensation for funds spent on the lodge.

In an attempt to put an end to years of controversy following allegations of sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre, Andrew decided to relinquish his dukedom and other honours ahead of the publication of Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs.

However, the prince, who vehemently denies the allegations, found himself engulfed in criticism centred on the property he has lived in virtually rent-free since 2003.

The ability of MPs to discuss matters relating to the Royal family is constrained under the Commons’ procedures.

The guide to the rules, known as Erskine May, states that “unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family”.

With the Government unwilling to table a motion to discuss Andrew due to the wishes of the Royal family, an opposition day debate could be a way for MPs to speak out.

A Liberal Democrat source said: “We need to explore all options, including an opposition day debate, to ensure Parliament can scrutinise this properly, from Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge to his dukedom.

“The first thing we need is proper transparency and accountability – that’s why we have called for the Crown Estate and Prince Andrew to give evidence under oath in Parliament.”

The Lib Dems have one opposition day left this parliamentary session, but no date has yet been allocated for it.

The source told the PA news agency: “We’ll take a decision on what is most important for the national interest as and when the government tells us when it will be.”

The Lib Dem insider indicated that they hoped the King would be willing to take action.

“It’s right that we’re led by the King on this, and if Parliament does have to act we hope it can be be hand-in-hand with the Palace,” the source said. Despite Andrew’s decision to cease using his Duke of York title, it can only be officially stripped by a law enacted by Parliament.