LONDON
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey raised questions Wednesday about Prince Andrew’s housing situation following revelations he pays a “peppercorn rent” for his mansion at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Davey pressed the government to back an inquiry into Andrew’s mansion deal in Windsor during the prime minister’s questions.
“Given the revelations about Royal Lodge, does the prime minister agree that this House needs to properly scrutinize the Crown Estate to ensure taxpayers’ interests are protected?
“The chancellor herself has said that the current arrangements are wrong.
“So, will the prime minister support a select committee inquiry so all those involved can be called for evidence, including the current occupant?” he asked.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Well, it’s important in relation to all properties, crown properties, that there is proper scrutiny, I certainly support that.”
Davey responded: “I hope the House can look at this properly and all people can be summoned to the relevant committee.”
Andrew, 65, withdrew from royal duties in 2019 after his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public. In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, an American who accused Epstein of trafficking her to Andrew when she was 17.
Giuffre died earlier this year, and her forthcoming posthumous memoir reportedly includes new claims involving Andrew.
Andrew has consistently denied the allegations, and the settlement included no admission of liability.
The prince resides at Royal Lodge, a Crown Estate property near Windsor. Analysts have said the controversy threatens to remain a reputational burden for the royal family and the government unless parliament takes action.