MPs are “pushing hard” for Prince Andrew to face a grilling as part of a government inquiry into the Crown Estate, according to a report.
The MPs, who are part of the powerful public accounts select committee which scrutinises public spending, are building parliamentary support for a probe into the terms of Andrew’s Royal Lodge residence, The Guardian reported.
It follows reports the prince has been occupying the Royal Lodge mansion on a “peppercorn rent” for the last two decades, despite public outcry over his alleged associations with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
A decision to launch an inquiry would need to be agreed by the whole committee.
It comes amid growing calls from parliament on Wednesday for a probe, including by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Sir Keir Starmer said in response it was “important” there is “proper scrutiny” in relation to all Crown properties, but a Downing Street spokesperson later refused to comment on whether an inquiry would happen.
The King’s brother has also faced significant pressure from Buckingham Palace and MPs to move out amid more allegations made against him in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. Andrew vehemently denies any wrong-doing.
Key Points
- MPs 'pushing hard' for inquiry into Royal Lodge - report
- Ed Davey calls for inquiry over Royal Lodge revelations at PMQs
- Prince Andrew reportedly at risk of eviction from Royal Lodge after 'collapsed' business deal
- Four men arrested over Trump-Epstein projection on Windsor Castle released without charge
- Keir Starmer backs call for Prince Andrew to be hauled in front of MPs to give evidence
New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom
01:59 , Alex CroftA new law that would give the King the power to strip Andrew of his dukedom has been proposed in the House of Commons.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has set out legislation which would grant Charles the power to remove titles.
The proposed new law would give the monarch the power to remove titles on his own initiative, following a recommendation of a joint committee of Parliament, or at the request of the person who holds the title.
You can read more below...
New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom
Who lived in the Royal Lodge before Andrew?
Thursday 23 October 2025 00:55 , Alex CroftPrince Andrew’s residence at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor has come under intense scrutiny over the last few days.
But the sprawling mansion set within 98-acre grounds has been used by the royal family for lodgings since the 1800s.
Prior to Andrew’s family taking up residence in the Royal Lodge, it was occupied by King George VI and the Queen Mother when they were still the Duke and Duchess of York.
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret spent much time at the Royal Lodge, which was used by the family as a country retreat.
In the mid-18th century, military topographer and artist Thomas Sandby lived in the house as the deputy ranger of the Great Park, granting the property the name of Deputy Ranger’s House.
Later, it was home to Joseph Frost, the park bailiff, who then became the general superintendent of farms after Sandby’s death.
George, Prince of Wales, who went on to become King George IV, used the lodge as temporary accommodation in 1812.
It was almost completely demolished, except for the conservatory, in 1830 under King William IV’s orders and rebuilt. By 1840, it was being used as accommodation for various officers of the royal household.
Comment: Prince Andrew can’t hide in Windsor forever – so how about going into exile in Scotland?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:50 , Alex CroftFollowing new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, the disgraced royal has been advised to ‘take himself off to live in private’ – Sean O’Grady suggests that a remote castle outside John O’Groats, once his grandmother’s summer home, might be a suitable punishment.
Prince Andrew can’t hide in Windsor forever – how about going into exile in Scotland?
Prince Andrew should help any investigation in to crimes of Epstein, says Jenrick
Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:45 , Alex CroftMPs 'pushing hard' for inquiry into Royal Lodge - report
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:41 , Alex CroftMPs within the public accounts select committee are reported to be “pushing hard” to launch an inquiry into Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge rental affairs.
The Guardian is reporting that MPs are gathering support for the inquiry. The entire committee will need to agree to the inquiry for it to go ahead.
The select committee is chaired by Conservative MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.
The outlet reported that Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey wrote to Mr Clifton-Brown to launch the inquiry, saying: “Proper transparency is urgently needed, and parliament has an important role to play in scrutinising the crown estate and ensuring that taxpayers’ interests are upheld.”
In pictures: The Royal Lodge Prince Andrew is facing pressure to leave
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:00 , Alex CroftAs pressure mounts on Prince Andrew over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, MPs and campaigners have called on him to leave his resident at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
It emerged on Tuesday that Andrew had only paid a “peppercorn rent” for the property for two decades.
The 30-room Lodge was the Windsor residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002.
Watch: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Keir Starmer backs call for Prince Andrew to be hauled in front of MPs to give evidence
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has indicated he would support a bid for Prince Andrew to be grilled by MPs over his rent at the Royal Lodge.
Responding to Sir Ed Davey’s query at PMQs, the prime minister said: “It’s important in relation to all crown properties that there is proper scrutiny, I certainly support that.”
You can read the full story below...
Starmer backs call for Prince Andrew to be hauled in front of MPs
Four men arrested over Trump-Epstein projection on Windsor Castle released without charge
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:54 , Alex CroftFour men arrested over the projection of images of US president Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle at the start of his state visit last month have been released without charge, Thames Valley Police said.
A 60-year-old man from East Sussex, a 36-year-old man from London, a 37-year-old man from Kent and a 50-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications over the incident.
On Wednesday evening, Thames Valley Police said no further action would be taken.
A statement said: “The investigation into four men arrested in connection with an unauthorised projection onto Windsor Castle has concluded and no further action will be taken against them.
“The arrests took place on September 16 and involved a 60-year-old man from East Sussex, a 36-year-old man from London, a 37-year-old man from Kent and a 50-year-old man from London.
“The individuals were arrested on suspicion of offences including malicious communications and public nuisance.”
Timeline of all Prince Andrew's scandals
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has been mired in scandal since details of Jeffrey Epstein’s behaviour emerged in 2019.
You can read the full timeline below...
Timeline of Prince Andrew’s scandals as he surrenders Duke of York title
Poll: Four out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFour out of five Britons believe Prince Andrew should be formally stripped of his dukedom, according to a new poll.
The survey conducted by YouGov showed that 63 per cent of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17 per cent “somewhat” supporting the idea, while 6 per cent were opposed to it – 4 per cent somewhat and 2 per cent strongly – and 14 per cent did not know.
80% of Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom
Watch: King has ‘acted decisively’ over Prince Andrew matters, says Cabinet minister
Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWho lived in the Royal Lodge before Andrew?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew’s residence at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor has come under intense scrutiny over the last few days.
But the sprawling mansion set within 98-acre grounds has been used by the royal family for lodgings since the 1800s.
Prior to Andrew’s family taking up residence in the Royal Lodge, it was occupied by King George VI and the Queen Mother when they were still the Duke and Duchess of York.
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret spent much time at the Royal Lodge, which was used by the family as a country retreat.
In the mid-18th century, military topographer and artist Thomas Sandby lived in the house as the deputy ranger of the Great Park, granting the property the name of Deputy Ranger’s House.
Later, it was home to Joseph Frost, the park bailiff, who then became the general superintendent of farms after Sandby’s death.
George, Prince of Wales, who went on to become King George IV, used the lodge as temporary accommodation in 1812.
It was almost completely demolished, except for the conservatory, in 1830 under King William IV’s orders and rebuilt. By 1840, it was being used as accommodation for various officers of the royal household.
New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA new law that would give the King the power to strip Andrew of his dukedom has been proposed in the House of Commons.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has set out legislation which would grant Charles the power to remove titles.
The proposed new law would give the monarch the power to remove titles on his own initiative, following a recommendation of a joint committee of Parliament, or at the request of the person who holds the title.
You can read more below...
New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom
Watch: Prince William 'hopping mad with black sheep Uncle' Andrew, says royal expert Jennie Bond
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:14 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew will be banned from all royal life when Prince William is King
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew will be banned from all royal events when Prince William is crowned King, The Sunday Times reported.
The Prince of Wales is said to want to take a more ruthless approach than his father, barring Andrew’s access to his coronation and Christmas at Sandringham among other events in the royal calendar.
Prince William is said to consider Andrew a “threat” to the monarch’s reputation and is worried about how his attendance at royal events could appear to sexual assault victims.
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie will continue to be welcomed at events.
Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew £558,000 if he quit home
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneParliamentary committees could look into the Crown Estate's handling of Andrew's Royal Lodge residence in Windsor.
A copy of the leasehold agreement from the Crown Estate shows he signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
The agreement contains a clause stating the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
It reveals he paid £1m for the lease and that since then he has paid "one peppercorn" of rent "if demanded" per year.
Profits from the Crown Estate are handed to the Treasury for the nation's finances, raising concerns that the public could be deprived of funds from the property due to the peppercorn rent.
He was required to pay a further £7.5m for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to the National Audit Office.
Watch: Prince Andrew should ‘leave public life forever’, says Jenrick
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: Prince Andrew can’t hide in Windsor forever – so how about going into exile in Scotland?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFollowing new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, the disgraced royal has been advised to ‘take himself off to live in private’ – Sean O’Grady suggests that a remote castle outside John O’Groats, once his grandmother’s summer home, might be a suitable punishment.
Prince Andrew can’t hide in Windsor forever – how about going into exile in Scotland?
Recap: All the major revelations from Giuffre’s memoir
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is mentioned a shocking 88 times in Virginia Giuffre’s new book, as the scandal-mired royal faces increasing public backlash.
Bombshell allegations include a claim Ms Giuffre had sex with Prince Andrew, Epstein, and around eight other young girls on the financier’s Caribbean island.
You can read all the major revelations below...
All the major Prince Andrew revelations from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir
Downing Street refuses to speculate on potential for inquiry
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Downing Street spokesperson has refused to be drawn on questions over whether Sir Keir Starmer would leave the door open for an inquiry into Prince Andrew’s peppercorn rent at the Royal Lodge.
It comes after the PM was pressed by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey at PMQs over whether he would support the establishment of a select committee.
Sir Ed said: “Will the Prime Minister support a select committee inquiry, so all those involved can be called for evidence, including the current occupant?”
The Prime Minister said: “It’s important in relation to all Crown properties that there is proper scrutiny, and I certainly support that.”
Asked if that meant Sir Keir was leaving the door open for an inquiry, a No 10 spokesman said: “I’m not going to speculate on anything beyond what the Prime Minister has said, which is that it’s important that proper scrutiny is in place.
“I’m not going to get ahead of potential parliamentary procedures.”
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew’s occupancy of the 30-room Royal Lodge has come under intense scrutiny following new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.
The sprawling Windsor property is set in 98 acres of grounds which also house a small cottage, Y Bwthyn Bach, which was gifted to Princess Elizabeth as a child by the people of Wales in 1932.
You can read more about the property here...
Watch: Ed Davey calls for inquiry over Prince Andrew Royal Lodge revelations at PMQs
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew ‘asked Met Police bodyguard to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre’
Wednesday 22 October 2025 13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew passed Virginia Giuffre’s details to his Met Police bodyguard in an effort to smear her, according to reports.
Leaked emails seen by the Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew handed over Ms Giuffre’s social security number and date of birth to his Met Police bodyguard.
Andrew reportedly told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his close protection officers to find out information about Ms Giuffre.
“It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States,” Andrew wrote to Mr Perkins. “I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”
It is not clear whether the bodyguard complied with Andrew’s instructions.
You can read more below...
Prince Andrew ‘asked Met Police bodyguard to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre’
Virginia Giuffre ‘would view Prince Andrew giving up titles as a victory’
Wednesday 22 October 2025 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre would have viewed Prince Andrew relinquishing use of his Duke of York title as a victory, the co-author of her posthumous memoir said.
Ms Giuffre, who alleges she was forced to have sex with him three times after being trafficked by Epstein, died by suicide in April of this year.
Her posthumour memoir Nobody’s Girl was published on Tuesday, and contained explosive allegations about her abuse at the hands of Epstein.
Virginia Giuffre ‘would view Prince Andrew giving up titles as a victory’
Watch: Epstein survivor calls on Prince Andrew to give information on 'what he saw' in mansion
Wednesday 22 October 2025 12:46 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEd Davey calls for inquiry over Royal Lodge revelations at PMQs
Wednesday 22 October 2025 12:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer is currently facing PMQs in the House of Commons.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on him to support a select committee to “properly scrutinise” the Crown estate following revelations Prince Andrew pays only a “peppercorn rent” on the 30-bedroom Windsor property.
“Given the revelations about the Royal Lodge, does the prime minister agree that this house needs to properly scrutinise the Crown estate to ensure taxpayers interests are protected?,” he asked.
He asked if Mr Starmer would give backing to an inquiry so all those involved - including Prince Andrew - could be called to give evidence.
In response, the prime minister said it was “important” that in relation to all Crown properties there is “proper scrutiny”.
Comment: Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
Wednesday 22 October 2025 12:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWhen it came to the former Duke of York, who was regarded as her favoured child, the Queen’s usual sound judgement appeared to desert her, says Alexander Larman – leading to existential damage to the royal family.
Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
In pictures: The Royal Lodge Prince Andrew is facing pressure to leave
Wednesday 22 October 2025 11:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs pressure mounts on Prince Andrew over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, MPs and campaigners have called on him to leave his resident at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
It emerged on Tuesday that Andrew had only paid a “peppercorn rent” for the property for two decades.
The 30-room Lodge was the Windsor residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002.
How Prince Andrew’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein led to his downfall
Wednesday 22 October 2025 11:20 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew’s friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has long been a difficult subject for the prince and his family.
But after he relinquished all of his remaining titles last week ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, he has come under increasing scrutiny, with MPs calling for him to exit public life and leave his Royal Lodge.
You can read the full timeline of the prince’s relationship with the convicted paedophile Epstein below...
How Prince Andrew’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein led to his downfall
Editorial: This is a moment of peril for the royal family
Wednesday 22 October 2025 11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe furore over Prince Andrew echoes the national mood after the death of Diana in 1997 – and there is a real danger that the palace has not fully appreciated the strength of public feeling.
Prince Andrew met two alleged Chinese spies on business trip, reports say
Wednesday 22 October 2025 10:47 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew met with two alleged Chinese spies while on a business trip for his Pitch@Palace initiative, according to The Telegraph.
The report says the prince rubbed shoulders with both Cai Qi, who has been linked to the case against of two alleged agents for China which collapsed last month, and alleged spy Yang Tengbo in April 2019.
Pitch@Palace, a charity designed to support entrepreneurs, was praised by Mr Cai, who said it had “supported nearly 2,000 entrepreneurial projects around the world, with its influence growing”, according to a post on the Chinese government website.
“Spymaster” Mr Cai is thought to be the recipient of sensitive information allegedly passed to China in a recent collapsed case that has drawn national scrutiny to the prosecution service.
Last year, Mr Yang was exposed as alleged Chinese spy “H6” after a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order.
Watch: Environment secretary 'looking into' Prince Andrew's water bills at Royal Lodge home
Wednesday 22 October 2025 10:17 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe environment secretary has said she will “look into” reports from The Sun that Prince Andrew has only had to pay his water bills “from time to time”.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Emma Reynolds said she thought “everyone should be paying their way”.
New law proposed to give King power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom
Wednesday 22 October 2025 10:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA law that would see King Charles given the power to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom will be proposed in the Commons on Wednesday.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has set out legislation which would give the monarch the power to remove titles on his own initiative, following a recommendation of a joint committee of Parliament, or at the request of the person who holds the title.
Ms Maskell said: “It is time for Parliament to act so that it can, or the monarch can, remove titles.
“The Duke of York title may no longer be being used by its holder, but it has not been removed.
“My short Bill, The Removal of Titles Bill, will fix this; I hope it can now be supported by Parliament.”
Brother of Virginia Giuffre calls on UK police watchdog to review Andrew claims
Wednesday 22 October 2025 09:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe brother of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre has called for the police watchdog to review the Metropolitan Police’s decision not to continue to investigate her allegations against Prince Andrew.
In an interview for Channel 4 News, Sky Roberts and Ms Giuffre’s sister-in-law Amanda Roberts said that she had been “gaslit” by the police and authorities in both the UK and US which was a “kick in the stomach” for her.
They have called for the Met Police to reopen their investigation into Ms Giuffre’s allegation that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was aged 17, an allegation he vehemently denies.
And they said that if the London force would not take action, they felt the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) should review the decision.
How could Prince Andrew be formally stripped of his titles?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 09:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe disgraced royal has pledged to end the use of Duke of York but pressure is growing to have his sinecures removed by law.
Sean O’Grady explains how that might happen.
Watch: Prince Andrew will be invited to US Epstein file investigation, says Democrat Congressman
Wednesday 22 October 2025 08:55 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew will be invited to a Jeffrey Epstein file investigation overseen by the US House Oversight Committee, according to Congressman Stephen Lynch, Democratic Representative for Massachusetts.
Prince Andrew reportedly at risk of eviction from Royal Lodge after 'collapsed' business deal
Wednesday 22 October 2025 08:31 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is reportedly at risk of eviction from his Windsor property after the “collapse” of a business deal that provided him with significant financial support.
The deal, as reported by The Telegraph this morning, was intended to allow the prince to abide by his lease at the lodge by giving him the financial means to pay for its upkeep.
This maintenance cost is part of the demands of the lease agreement on the 30-room property on which Andrew has paid a “peppercorn” rent for two decades.
It is understood that without the collapsed business deal, Andrew may no longer be able to afford the upkeep and faces eviction from the property.
Four out of five Britons want Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, poll shows
Wednesday 22 October 2025 08:21 , Nicole Wootton-CanePressure is mounting for Prince Andrew to have his dukedom formally removed following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.
A poll conducted by YouGov on Tuesday 80 per cent of the public back official removal of the dukedom. Last week, Prince Andrew said he would stop using his Duke of York title to avoid distracting from the work of the King and the royal family, but the survey found most Brits wanted the title to be stripped officially.
The survey showed that 63 per cent of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17 per cent “somewhat” supporting the idea, while 6 per cent were opposed to it – 4 per cent somewhat and 2 per cent strongly – and 14 per cent did not know.
Virginia Giuffre accuses her father of abuse and of taking Epstein hush money in new memoir
Wednesday 22 October 2025 08:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarVirginia Giuffre alleged in her memoir that her father abused her when she was as young as seven and may have accepted money from the billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Sky Roberts, Giuffre’s father, has denied his late daughter’s accusation and said in a statement included in her book, Nobody’s Girl, that he “never knew what was going on with Epstein” until he read about his sex crimes online.
In an interview with NBC News, her brother, Sky Roberts Jr, said that he had confronted their father about the allegation, choking up as he recalled: “I just, I said – we know,” he recalled, choking up.
“I mean, you were Dad. You sexually abused your daughter. It’s absolutely heinous what he did.”
He also remembered his father buying “decently nice things” at various points in their childhood, including a boat. He added: “If there was a payment wired to him, like it would, would be disgusting, be disgusting that he accepted money.”
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Prince Andrew – they must not do so again
Wednesday 22 October 2025 07:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Met refused to open an investigation into sworn allegations of sexual assault against Prince Andrew, despite keenly investigating cause celebres such as Partygate. Their insistence that the royal family are not above the law rings hollow, says Nigel Cawthorne:
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Andrew – they must not do so again
Cabinet minister says Prince Andrew should cooperate with investigators
Wednesday 22 October 2025 07:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarCabinet minister Peter Kyle has said that anyone who knows anything about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, including Prince Andrew, should fully cooperate with investigators to help deliver justice for the victims.
“I think anybody that has any information that could bring justice and information to victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes should be fully engaging with any of the authorities that are seeking to deliver that information and justice for the victims,” Mr Kyle told ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“So of course, anybody, anywhere that has information that can deliver that justice should be sharing it openly.
“I believe that Andrew, in the past, has said that he would co-operate, and I urge him to stick to his word on that.”
