Royal biographer and historian Andrew Lownie has indicated that an increasing number of individuals are now willing to speak publicly following Andrew’s loss of his formal titles. Yesterday evening, the Palace confirmed that the King’s disgraced younger brother is poised to lose the Prince prefix before his name as questions surrounding his association with the deceased convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein continue to mount.
In an official statement, Buckingham Palace revealed it had initiated formal proceedings to remove all of Andrew’s titles and relocate him from his residence at Royal Lodge. The 65-year-old had reportedly been paying peppercorn rent for the property, a phrase referring to a nominal rental payment that could amount to merely several pounds annually, or less. The announcement followed Andrew’s formal relinquishing of the Duke of York title on October 17.
During an appearance on the Palace Confidential programme discussing the escalating controversy, Royal biographer Andrew Lownie proposed that additional individuals are presenting allegations against Andrew due to the tide now turning decisively against him.
He stated: “I’m getting two or three people a day coming forward and quite senior people on his staff, for example, senior officials. I think people can see the way the story’s going, I think perhaps maybe they’re re-examining their conscience, they feel they want to be on the right side of history.
“I’m also hearing stories from journalists who are getting tip offs from, for example, the Cabinet Office, so clearly the view is taken that Andrew is toast, he can be chucked under the bus and this is the best way to protect the rest of them.”
Following the Royal Family’s statement, it has been reported that the King is sending Royal warrants to the lord chancellor with the aim of stripping Andrew of his prince title and style of Royal Highness, as well as removing the dukedom from the peerage role, according to the Guardian.
Once Andrew is no longer officially a prince, he will be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
In their announcement, the Palace added: “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence.
“Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”