Prince Andrew latest: Demands grow for Andrew to face MPs with inquiry into Royal Lodge rent deal

Following new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, the disgraced royal has been advised to ‘take himself off to live in private’ – Sean O’Grady suggests that a remote castle outside John O’Groats, once his grandmother’s summer home, might be a suitable punishment.

Prince Andrew is mentioned a shocking 88 times in Virginia Giuffre’s new book, as the scandal-mired royal faces increasing public backlash.

Bombshell allegations include a claim Ms Giuffre had sex with Prince Andrew, Epstein, and around eight other young girls on the financier’s Caribbean island.

You can read all the major revelations below…

A Downing Street spokesperson has refused to be drawn on questions over whether Sir Keir Starmer would leave the door open for an inquiry into Prince Andrew’s peppercorn rent at the Royal Lodge.

It comes after the PM was pressed by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey at PMQs over whether he would support the establishment of a select committee.

Sir Ed said: “Will the Prime Minister support a select committee inquiry, so all those involved can be called for evidence, including the current occupant?”

The Prime Minister said: “It’s important in relation to all Crown properties that there is proper scrutiny, and I certainly support that.”

Asked if that meant Sir Keir was leaving the door open for an inquiry, a No 10 spokesman said: “I’m not going to speculate on anything beyond what the Prime Minister has said, which is that it’s important that proper scrutiny is in place.

“I’m not going to get ahead of potential parliamentary procedures.”

Prince Andrew’s occupancy of the 30-room Royal Lodge has come under intense scrutiny following new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.

The sprawling Windsor property is set in 98 acres of grounds which also house a small cottage, Y Bwthyn Bach, which was gifted to Princess Elizabeth as a child by the people of Wales in 1932.

You can read more about the property here…

Prince Andrew passed Virginia Giuffre’s details to his Met Police bodyguard in an effort to smear her, according to reports.

Leaked emails seen by the Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew handed over Ms Giuffre’s social security number and date of birth to his Met Police bodyguard.

Andrew reportedly told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his close protection officers to find out information about Ms Giuffre.

“It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States,” Andrew wrote to Mr Perkins. “I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”

It is not clear whether the bodyguard complied with Andrew’s instructions.

You can read more below…

Ms Giuffre, who alleges she was forced to have sex with him three times after being trafficked by Epstein, died by suicide in April of this year.

Her posthumour memoir Nobody’s Girl was published on Tuesday, and contained explosive allegations about her abuse at the hands of Epstein.

Sir Keir Starmer is currently facing PMQs in the House of Commons.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on him to support a select committee to “properly scrutinise” the Crown estate following revelations Prince Andrew pays only a “peppercorn rent” on the 30-bedroom Windsor property.

“Given the revelations about the Royal Lodge, does the prime minister agree that this house needs to properly scrutinise the Crown estate to ensure taxpayers interests are protected?,” he asked.

He asked if Mr Starmer would give backing to an inquiry so all those involved – including Prince Andrew – could be called to give evidence.

In response, the prime minister said it was “important” that in relation to all Crown properties there is “proper scrutiny”.