"By convention, MPs are not allowed to criticise the royal family in the chamber. But Andrew, 65, is now a commoner after Charles' decision to banish him from the monarchy followed growing controversy over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has for many years has been dogged by allegations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre after she was trafficked by the financier. He strenuously denies the accusations."
"It also emerged in recent weeks that he had emailed Epstein in 2011 saying "we're in this together", three months after he claimed he had broken all contact with the convicted sex offender. The former prince has given up his lease on his 30-room mansion in Windsor, where he was living with "peppercorn" rent for more than 20 years, amid the furore. He has also had his status as prince and his dukedom removed."
"A Lib Dem source suggested there should be greater transparency over whether the Government had provided any "advice" on the matter. "There are still too many unanswered questions surrounding this scandal that the public deserve answers to," the source said. "That includes the size of the payout Andrew will receive for leaving the Royal Lodge and what advice the Government has provided."
Liberal Democrats plan to raise questions in the Commons about Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge arrangements, including the size of any payout and whether the Government offered advice. MPs conventionally avoid criticising the royal family in the chamber, but Andrew is now a commoner after losing royal status and dukedom amid controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Allegations persist that he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, which he denies, and an email showed ongoing contact with Epstein in 2011. He has given up his Windsor lease and reportedly faces a one-off payment and a privately funded annual stipend. A Lib Dem source called for greater transparency and parliamentary evidence under oath.
Read at Irish Independent
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