Prince Andrew latest: Disgraced royal ‘faces private prosecution’ after Virginia Giuffre-Epstein scandal

Prince Andrew is said to be in “advanced discussions” about leaving the Royal Lodge after his rent-free deal was revealed.

But where would he go? Harriette Boucher takes a look at the disgraced royal’s options.

Prince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein, who is wanted on suspicion of sexual assault of a minor, at the Royal Lodge, according to new reports.

Epstein, who joined Harvey Weinstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested eight days after the 2006 incident.

According to the BBC, he visited as part of Andrew’s daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations.

Andrew told BBC Newsnight in 2019 that he was “unaware” that Epstein was wanted at the time.

Parliament’s spending watchdog has raised concerns about the value for money of Prince Andrew’s living arrangements amid furor over his “peppercorn” rent at the Royal Lodge.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has written to the Treasury and Crown Estate asking them to explain the rationale behind renting the 30-room mansion by November 28.

PAC chairman and Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said in a letter on Wednesday: “There is significant and understandable public interest in the expenditure of public money in relation to Prince Andrew, and this is partly driven by the fact that he is no longer a member of the royal family and the serious and disturbing allegations made against him.”

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Prince Andrew will face a special investigation after his links to Jeffrey Epstein were examined.

Campaign group Republic said it had instructed lawyers to investigate and, if appropriate, launch a private investigation against the disgraced royal.

They said the allegation related to allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.

Speaking today, Republic’s chief executive, Graham Smith, said: “If not us, then who? That we should seek a private prosecution is a devastating indictment of the UK’s criminal justice system, police and politicians – not to mention the king and his heir.”

“It should be cause for concern that many people believe, and rightly so in my view, that royals are not treated equally under the law. Equality in law is a fundamental principle of democracy.

“I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. Authorities and politicians appear to want to look the other way while minimizing the charges against Andrew.

“Truth must prevail and justice must be served.”