Prince Andrew is facing calls to leave his Windsor residence and step out of the public eye as the British public has grown weary of his presence, according to the shadow justice secretary.
Robert Jenrick has expressed that the royal figure has become a source of embarrassment for both his family and the nation. He criticized the fact that taxpayers are essentially funding his stay in a lavish 30-room home shared with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Pressure is mounting for Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, where he has resided for more than twenty years, paying a nominal rent. Jenrick, a senior Tory member, emphasized that it is high time for Prince Andrew to find private accommodations, as public sentiment towards him is overwhelmingly negative.
Jenrick stated, “He has brought shame upon himself and repeatedly embarrassed the royal family. Taxpayers should not be expected to continue covering his expenses. The public has had enough of him.”
Documents from the Crown Estate reveal that Prince Andrew signed a long-term lease for Royal Lodge in 2003, paying a significant upfront sum. Over the years, he has been paying only a token rent each year if requested.
Additionally, records show that the Duke of York invested a substantial amount in renovating the historic property in 2005. The lease agreement even includes provisions for compensation from the Crown Estate should he decide to relinquish the property.
Jenrick voiced his stance on a BBC Radio 4 program, asserting that taxpayers should not be financially supporting Prince Andrew’s luxurious lifestyle any longer.
Amid concerns that the Crown Estate’s revenues may be affected by Prince Andrew’s arrangement, parliamentary committees are preparing to investigate the handling of his lease.
Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury Committee, emphasized the need for transparency in financial matters involving taxpayer funds. Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart called for Prince Andrew to repay any outstanding rent he owes due to his misconduct.
The controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s opulent living arrangements has escalated following his decision to relinquish his royal title and military honors in the wake of renewed scrutiny over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This move coincided with the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, in which she makes allegations against him.
Prince Andrew has vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him, claiming that the encounters described by Giuffre did not occur as stated.