The co-author of Virginia Giuffre's memoirs says Prince Andrew's behaviour is "catching up with him" as he reportedly faces discussions about leaving his Royal Lodge home. Amy Wallace, who worked on the posthumous memoir, told the Associated Press that Andrew's past actions are finally having consequences.
Prince Andrew is said to be in talks with King Charles's representatives about voluntarily leaving Royal Lodge following controversy over his "peppercorn" rent arrangement. The Duke of York has lived in the 30-room Berkshire mansion for more than 20 years but faces pressure to relocate amid public scrutiny of his housing deal.
Memoir allegations surface
Andrew gave up his Duke of York title and other honours last Friday ahead of the publication of Giuffre's memoir. The book contains allegations that he sexually abused Giuffre, which the prince strenuously denies.
Wallace said Giuffre wanted "wealthy, powerful men to be held to account" through her story. She told the Associated Press: "What we're watching is Prince Andrew's life is being eroded for his past behaviour. While he's not being tried in a court of law, his behaviour's catching up with him."
The co-author suggested Andrew could still assist authorities regarding the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Wallace said: "He could still come forward and say to the authorities, I want to validate these women's experience," noting Andrew's presence at Epstein's properties and on his private jet.
Police investigation claims
Fresh scrutiny has emerged over allegations that a 2011 attempt by Giuffre to serve a civil suit on Andrew was allegedly frustrated by Metropolitan Police officers. Channel 4 News first reported these claims, with the force now saying it has widened its examinations.
The Metropolitan Police said on Friday it was "considering whether any further assessment or review is necessary" following recent media reporting. The Mail On Sunday previously claimed Andrew passed Giuffre's date of birth and social security number to his taxpayer-funded bodyguard in 2011 and asked him to investigate.
Property controversy intensifies
Some MPs are eager to debate Andrew's housing arrangement in Parliament following publication of his full lease agreement. The Daily Telegraph reported that conversations between Andrew and the King's representatives have been ongoing since the lease details resulted in intense public scrutiny.
The main obstacles to any agreement reportedly centre on where Andrew will live and what financial compensation he might receive for renovation costs. Potential properties exist on the King's private Balmoral and Sandringham estates, though whether Andrew would accept a smaller home away from his daughters remains uncertain.
Financial arrangements revealed
Andrew's lease agreement shows he paid £1 million for a 75-year lease on the property in 2003. Since then, he has paid just "one peppercorn" of rent "if demanded" per year for the Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
The prince was also required to pay £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to the National Audit Office. The agreement contains a clause stating the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease voluntarily.
Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times, including when she was 17. Andrew paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with her in 2022, despite maintaining he had never met her and vehemently denying all allegations.
Downing Street said MPs will not be given Commons time to discuss Andrew's conduct, stating the government wants Parliament to focus on "important issues". The Public Accounts Committee has confirmed it is writing to the Crown Estate and Treasury requesting further information about the prince's lease arrangement.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Telegraph", "Associated Press", "Channel 4 News", "Mail On Sunday" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
