British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls for Prince Andrew to be called in front of MPs to answer questions about his Royal Lodge living arrangements.<\/p>\n
It was revealed this week Prince Andrew had not paid rent on the 30-room mansion on the Windsor Estate in more than two decades, and was instead required only to pay a nominal annual rental fee, known as a “peppercorn” rent.<\/p>\n
That prompted the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey to ask Sir Keir if he would support a parliamentary inquiry into the Crown estate, which manages Royal Lodge, “to ensure taxpayer interests are protected”.<\/p>\n
“Will the prime minister support a select committee inquiry, so all those involved can be called for evidence, including the current occupant?” Sir Ed asked in Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, local time.<\/p>\n
“It’s important, in relation to all Crown properties, that there is proper scrutiny, and I certainly support that,” Sir Keir responded.<\/p>\n
Mr Davey added that he hoped the House of Commons could look at the issue properly and all those involved summoned to respond to questions by MPs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Royal Lodge sits in 40 hectares of secluded grounds in Great Windsor Park. (Reuters: Stringer)<\/p>\n
The Guardian newspaper reported that members of the public accounts committee, which scrutinises public spending, were “pushing hard” on Wednesday for support to establish a probe<\/a>.<\/p>\n It would be highly unusual for a member of the royal family to be called to give evidence in front of MPs, but it is understood there is nothing stopping the request from being made.<\/p>\n However, British parliamentary rules could complicate a committee’s work.<\/p>\n Questions that “cast reflections on the sovereign or the royal family” are generally not allowed to be asked and are ruled inadmissible.<\/p>\n If you or anyone you know needs help:Lifeline<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0131 1141800 Respect National Helpline<\/a>\u00a0on 1800 737 73213 YARN<\/a> on 13 92 76Kids Helpline<\/a> on 1800 551 800Beyond Blue<\/a> on 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service<\/a> on 1300 659 467MensLine Australia<\/a> on 1300 789 978Headspace<\/a> on 1800 650 890ReachOut<\/a>Emergency services on triple-0 if you need immediate care<\/p>\n Prince Andrew has faced significant pressure over his lease, his links to the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> and his connections to China<\/a>.<\/p>\n