Britain's parliament has long been averse to discussing its own royal family, a self-imposed gag that has been in place for centuries. This constitutional monarchy is unable to even broach the subject without breaking the rules, which can be seen as infantilising and indefensible.
However, it appears this may be changing. The Commons public accounts committee recently announced an inquiry into the Crown Estate, a highly successful and profitable property company worth an estimated £15.5 billion. The probe is a direct response to news that disgraced former Prince Andrew has been paying "peppercorn rents" for extensive properties owned by the estate.
The crown estate's close relationship with the royal family is particularly relevant given its generous protected "sovereign grant" from the estate's profits each year, which provides a royal windfall that might have gone to the Treasury. As such, this inquiry into the estate's value for money is likely to generate significant public interest and sparks the wider debate about the monarchy.
By scrutinizing the crown estate, parliament is holding the royal family accountable for their actions. It's an essential step towards transparency in governance and ensuring that public funds are being used wisely.
The inquiry will also shed light on issues such as the allocation of "grace and favour" residences, which have long been shrouded in secrecy. This could lead to further revelations about the royal family's financial dealings, including those involving Prince Andrew.
Ultimately, this is a necessary probe that will help lift a veil of secrecy around the monarchy's finances and ensure that public funds are being used for the greater good. As the article notes, value for money is a fundamental principle of public accountability that should be applied to all institutions, including those with royal connections.
By pushing back on the monarch's privileged position, parliament can uphold its duty to scrutinise and hold accountable those in power. The fact that this inquiry has been announced at a time when attitudes towards the monarchy are becoming increasingly sceptical suggests that times may indeed be changing for the crown.
However, it appears this may be changing. The Commons public accounts committee recently announced an inquiry into the Crown Estate, a highly successful and profitable property company worth an estimated £15.5 billion. The probe is a direct response to news that disgraced former Prince Andrew has been paying "peppercorn rents" for extensive properties owned by the estate.
The crown estate's close relationship with the royal family is particularly relevant given its generous protected "sovereign grant" from the estate's profits each year, which provides a royal windfall that might have gone to the Treasury. As such, this inquiry into the estate's value for money is likely to generate significant public interest and sparks the wider debate about the monarchy.
By scrutinizing the crown estate, parliament is holding the royal family accountable for their actions. It's an essential step towards transparency in governance and ensuring that public funds are being used wisely.
The inquiry will also shed light on issues such as the allocation of "grace and favour" residences, which have long been shrouded in secrecy. This could lead to further revelations about the royal family's financial dealings, including those involving Prince Andrew.
Ultimately, this is a necessary probe that will help lift a veil of secrecy around the monarchy's finances and ensure that public funds are being used for the greater good. As the article notes, value for money is a fundamental principle of public accountability that should be applied to all institutions, including those with royal connections.
By pushing back on the monarch's privileged position, parliament can uphold its duty to scrutinise and hold accountable those in power. The fact that this inquiry has been announced at a time when attitudes towards the monarchy are becoming increasingly sceptical suggests that times may indeed be changing for the crown.
I mean, it's about time someone did something about all those dodgy deals Prince Andrew has made off with public funds 
. The fact that he's been paying "peppercorn rents" for these properties is just laughable 
. And now parliament's finally having a sniff at the Crown Estate, it's gonna be interesting to see what they uncover 
.
. It's about transparency and accountability, you know? Can't have a bunch of privileged folks making deals behind closed doors without anyone keeping an eye on 'em 
.
. You know, a bit less secretive and a lot more open to scrutiny 
. That's progress, innit? 
. Maybe we'll finally get some answers about how their wealth is generated and whether they're really doing anything for society other than, you know, being posh 
. Who knows? This might be a good thing for transparency and accountability, but I'm not holding my breath just yet 
.
. Like, can you imagine if any other super-rich company got to operate like this without being held accountable? It just doesn't seem right that the royal family gets a sweet deal just because of who they are 
. I mean, shouldn't we be all about transparency and accountability in governance? 
. Maybe it's time for the royal family to put their money where their mouth is and show us that they're not just a bunch of out-of-touch elites 
.
.
[GIF: prince andrew with a crown on his head, looking worried]
. I mean, think about it, we've been living with this self-imposed gag for centuries and it's just not right 
. We need to know how our public funds are being used and whether they're being spent wisely. Transparency, you know? It's like, "Hey, we've got your backs, but you've also gotta be honest with us!" 
. It's time for some accountability and transparency, if you ask me 
I mean, who pays rent on £15.5 billion worth of properties? And what's up with this sovereign grant that goes straight to the royal family instead of the Treasury? It's all about time we get some answers and maybe even see a change in how things work around there