The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”Emma O’Neill Assistant Live News Editor and David Hughes PA Political Editor
10:50, 26 Oct 2025Updated 16:04, 26 Oct 2025
MPs may debate Prince Andrew’s behaviour, his 30-room mansion and the potential removal of his dukedom.
The Government has thus far declined to set aside time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation, as the Royal family wishes Parliament to concentrate on “important issues”. However, the topic could be brought up on one of the days when ministers do not dictate the parliamentary schedule.
A source from the Liberal Democrats hinted to the Sunday Times that the party might be willing to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s conduct. The prince is reportedly considering voluntarily leaving his Royal Lodge home following the uproar over the “peppercorn” rent for the Windsor property.
The King’s brother is believed to be in discussions with Charles’ representatives but is hesitant to relinquish his residence of over 20 years, with the main obstacles being the location of his new home and financial compensation for funds spent on the lodge.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Andrew tried to put an end to years of controversy, following accusations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, by renouncing his dukedom and other honours ahead of the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs.
However, the prince, who vehemently denies the allegations, was instead overwhelmed by criticism centred on the property he has lived in virtually rent-free since 2003. The capacity for MPs to debate issues concerning the Royal family is limited under Commons procedures.
The rulebook, referred to as Erskine May, declares 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”.
Given the Government’s reluctance to present a motion regarding Andrew due to Royal family preferences, an opposition day debate might provide a route for MPs to voice concerns.
A Liberal Democrat source revealed: “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.
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“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 possess one remaining opposition day this parliamentary session, though no date has been scheduled.
The source informed 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 suggested they anticipated the King would be prepared to intervene.
“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 relinquishing the use of his Duke of York title, only an act of Parliament can officially strip him of it.
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