A Guardian article published in December 2024, titled ‘Dubious use of the Freedom of Information Act stopping access to files on Prince Andrew, researchers say’, highlighted the difficulties the media experiences when investigating members of the royal family
According to the article, “Researchers have called for greater transparency from the Foreign Office over the files it holds on the Duke of York. Officials responding to freedom of information requests have given a variety of reasons why the files cannot be released.”
“Andrew Lownie, an author who is researching a biography of Prince Andrew, was told that the files could not be made public until 2065, and implied there was a general rule that papers relating to members of the royal family must remain closed until 105 years after their birth.”
This begs the question; how far will the establishment go to cover up potential wrongdoings by members of the royal family?
And, what can or should the media do about it?
Graham Smith, a spokesman for the anti-monarchy pressure group 'Republic', has been on the airwaves a lot this week.
In a statement on the Republic website, which I think is worth reproducing in full, he says: “For decades it has been near impossible to get to the truth about the royals. They are shielded by layers of secrecy, protected by official deference and have gone largely unchallenged by a fawning BBC.”
“This scandal is not just about Andrew, it is about a culture that has allowed the royals to do as they please, knowing there was little chance of repercussions. For that impunity victims of Epstein have likely paid a high price.”
“The royals should be treated like any other public figure, challenged by the BBC, questioned in committees by MPs, investigated when necessary by the police and in no way above or beyond the law.”
“There has been a conspiracy of silence, a collusion between some of the UK's major institutions, to ensure the truth remains hidden and that the royal image remains protected.”
“Andrew spent his life surrounded by police, civil servants, royal staffers, his family and politicians. If allegations are true, how could that have carried on for more than two decades without anyone knowing.”
“There have been allegations of abuse of public funds, questionable business dealings, cash for honours and complicity in money laundering levelled at other royals. Nothing is ever done.”
“There must be a reckoning for all those who knew about Andrew and other scandals and misdeed and did nothing, there must be a full inquiry into the royal household and the culture of impunity that has surrounded it.”
It’s hard to argue with any of that…
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