Trooping the Colour, one of the Royal Family's most significant annual events, is proceeding under a shadow of controversy this year as public anger mounts over revelations about royal finances and ongoing scandals involving Prince Andrew. Despite the royals' attempt to maintain a 'business as usual' facade, protests have been organized by campaign group Republic, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly weighed in, supporting greater transparency.
Royal Finances Under Scrutiny
Last week, the National Audit Office published a report on royal residences that sparked widespread outrage. It revealed that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are living in subsidized central London properties, with King Charles footing the bill. Both sisters have their own careers and homes elsewhere, and 86 percent of Mirror readers who responded to a poll felt it was wrong for the King to provide them with free accommodation.
The report also disclosed that Prince Andrew had been permitted to sublet properties on the grounds of his former residence, Royal Lodge, which he vacated in early February. He has since relinquished his long-term lease, meaning the mansion will revert to the Crown Estate in October. The wider royal family appears to be maintaining distance from Andrew, with only Prince Edward reportedly visiting him since his relocation.
Andrew's Legal Troubles
At the end of May, it emerged that Buckingham Palace received 30,000 emails containing details about Andrew's financial affairs from his time as a trade envoy. The emails were delivered to the palace in May 2020, but what became of them remains unknown. Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and released pending further investigation. Police have searched his properties and seized electronic devices.
Historian Andrew Lownie told the Mirror that the royals will likely treat the occasion as 'business as usual,' brushing off questions. However, he warned that this strategy may no longer work, calling for fuller statements about what they knew about Andrew and why the emails were not dealt with.
Protests Planned
Graham Smith from Republic told the Mirror: 'Our protests are increasingly important as they chime with growing public skepticism about the royals and anger about the perceived cover up of serious allegations. This year our focus at Trooping will be on the Andrew allegations as we again ask 'what did you know?''
The group aims to make the question visible to the royals as they parade down the mall, ensuring the event does not go unchallenged.
Meghan and Harry's Stance
A source with knowledge of the Sussexes' situation told the Mirror that while challenges accompany their financial independence, they fundamentally back the fresh scrutiny of royal properties and champion openness. The insider said: 'What they have is an independent and entirely self-funded life - one that nobody else has to pay for... unlike the Royal Family.'
The source added that working members of the Royal Family should have their finances scrutinized like any other public institution.
Official Responses
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said regarding the emails: 'Since there is an ongoing police enquiry concerning Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, it is not possible to provide any comment on these matters.' Following Andrew's arrest, the palace stated they would support the police's investigation.
A palace representative commented on the NAO report: 'We are grateful to the National Audit Office for this report... We hope that the findings will help correct, clarify or contextualise a number of points regarding Royal properties.'
The Crown Estate stated: 'The Crown Estate welcomes the National Audit Office's review which confirms its leases with members of the Royal Family were agreed in line with independent, professional advice and open market valuations.'
