In a revelation that has raised eyebrows, it has come to light that government files detailing the activities of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, will remain confidential until 2065 due to a unique rule. This rule stipulates that any files involving British royalty are to be sealed and inaccessible for 105 years from the birth of the royal member in question.
Prince Andrew, who served as a roaming trade ambassador for the United Kingdom until his resignation in 2011, has had his activities during this tenure kept under wraps. This is despite the fact that many of his trips as trade ambassador were funded by the British taxpayer. Under typical circumstances, government records transferred to The National Archives at Kew from Whitehall are kept confidential for a span of 20 years. However, an exception is made for members of the British royal family.
This revelation has sparked criticism from various quarters. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, who is currently penning a book on the Duke of York's life, has termed this rule as "absurd". He highlighted the irony of the situation, pointing out that while Prince Harry can disclose intimate details of royal life for commercial gain, historians are barred from accessing files that are of significant public interest. Lownie further emphasized the public's right to know about Prince Andrew's associations, especially with figures like the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He also raised questions about the Duke's role as a trade envoy, a position funded by the taxpayer, and expressed curiosity about who is currently financing Prince Andrew's security since he is no longer an active royal.
The Duke of York relinquished his role as trade envoy in 2011 amidst growing scrutiny over his affiliations with several contentious figures, including Epstein. However, a representative for Prince Andrew clarified that he would continue to embark on official overseas trips as a member of the Royal Family, supporting Britain's foreign interests.
This rule doesn't only apply to Prince Andrew. Files concerning other royal members, including the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, are also safeguarded under this regulation.
In light of these revelations, there is a growing call for transparency and a reevaluation of the rules that grant such extensive confidentiality to the activities of the royal family, especially when they intersect with public duties and taxpayer funds.
