In recent reports, it has come to light that Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth’s second son, has not paid rent on the Royal Lodge, his expansive estate nestled within Windsor Great Park, for over two decades. This revelation sheds light on the terms of his 75-year lease for the 40-hectare property located to the west of London.
Last week, Andrew made headlines by announcing his decision to relinquish the title “Duke of York” along with all remaining honors. These honors include his prestigious membership in the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order in Britain. He will also be absent from the royal family’s annual Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, their traditional home in eastern England.
Despite these changes, Andrew retains his status as a prince and his position in the line of succession remains unchanged, where he currently stands eighth. Although he will no longer be referred to by the title Duke of York, he has not officially lost it. An act of parliament would be required to formally strip him of the title, and for now, it remains in a state of suspension.
In response to the situation, members of the Scottish National Party have taken action by submitting a parliamentary motion. This motion calls for legislation that would officially remove Andrew’s titles, highlighting the growing sentiment for formalizing his disassociation from these royal honors.
Although he will no longer be known as the Duke of York, he has not been stripped of the title, something which requires an act of parliament, and it remains in abeyance.
On Tuesday, MPs from the Scottish National Party lodged a parliamentary motion calling for legislation to officially remove Andrew’s titles.
“It’s about time Prince Andrew took himself off to live in private and make his own way in life,” said Conservative lawmaker Robert Jenrick.
“He has disgraced himself, he has embarrassed the royal family time and again.”
– reported with AP and Reuters
