Andrew facing fresh crisis as senior staff members come forward to ‘clear conscience’
Royal author Andrew Lownie has claimed more members of the former Duke of York’s staff are coming forward to share information about him, as the disgraced royal is now “toast”
Royal author and expert Andrew Lownie has suggested that more people are coming forward to speak out now that Andrew has lost his titles.
Last night the Palace announced that the disgraced brother of the King is set to the lose the Prince prefix in front of his name as scrutiny over his relationship with the dead convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein intensifies.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace announced that they had begun the formal process of stripping Andrew of all his titles and moving him out of his home at Royal Lodge.
It is at this property where the 65-year-old was understood to be paying peppercorn rent, a term used to describe rent that exists, but could be as low as a few pounds a year.
This announcement came hot on the heels of Andrew formally announcing he was giving up the Duke of York title on October 17.
Speaking on the Palace Confidential programme about the snowballing crisis, royal author Andrew Lownie suggested that more people are coming forward with claims against Andrew, because the momentum is now firmly against him.
He said: “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 statement by the Royal Family, the King is reportedly sending royal warrants to the lord chancellor in order to remove Andrew’s title of prince and style of Royal Highness, as well as securing the removal of the dukedom from the peerage role, reports the Guardian.
When Andrew is no longer formally a prince, the Royal Family said he will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
In their statement, they 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.”
