The Liberal Democrats are exploring ways to force a parliamentary debate on Prince Andrew's conduct after the government refused to allocate time in the House of Commons. The party is considering using an opposition day debate to raise the issue, which would require the government to schedule time.
A Liberal Democrat source said the party is “exploring 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 source added that the first step should be “proper transparency and accountability”, calling for the crown estate and Prince Andrew to give evidence under oath in parliament.
The move signals that the Liberal Democrats want to frame any discussion of Andrew’s future as a matter of public accountability rather than personal scandal, reflecting growing unease in Westminster about the lack of transparency around royal finances and grace-and-favour residences. Party figures have privately suggested the episode underlines the need for “modern standards of public scrutiny” to apply across all publicly funded estates.
The government is unwilling to table a motion, saying the royal family wishes parliament to focus on “important issues”. However, the Liberal Democrats hope an eventual move by parliament would be “hand in hand with the palace” and in line with the king’s wishes. Any Commons debate would be symbolically significant, breaking from decades of convention that MPs avoid direct criticism of the royal family, though the procedure guide Erskine May restricts such discussions unless based on a substantive motion.
The debate comes amid reports that Prince Andrew is in advanced talks with the king’s representatives over moving out of the 30-room Grade II-listed Royal Lodge at Windsor, despite his lease running until 2078. He paid £1m for the lease in 2003 and £7.5m for refurbishment, but pays only “one peppercorn (if demanded)” in rent per year. Calls have also been made to officially remove his Duke of York title, which would require legislation.
