When it comes to Andrew Windsor, here's how we can go much further...

Andrew Windsor is still a Counsellor of State, a Duke and 'His Royal Highness'. Framing a slight technical adjustment as punishment is wrong.

Thankfully, one MP is not prepared to let it go.

In a Guardian article, Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central said that:

• “a lot of clarity” is needed over how Prince Andrew funded the reported £12 million settlement. The Guardian

• She emphasised that honesty and transparency are essential — that “there is no space for obfuscation, no matter how embarrassing it is.”

• Maskell called for full openness, not just partial disclosure, especially given that the accuser, Virginia Giuffre, has died and her family deserves answers.

That is why Greens For A Republic sent this letter earlier today (19/10/25):

Dear Rachael Maskell MP,

I am writing as a member of Republic, Greens for a Republic, and a wider network of people across the country who share a commitment to democratic accountability and transparency. I would like to thank you sincerely for calling for openness in relation to the Prince Andrew pay-out case.

Your intervention has been greatly appreciated by many who believe that public trust in our institutions depends on honesty and transparency. This is not about harbouring grudges or singling out individuals — it is about upholding the same standards of accountability that should apply to all who benefit from public roles or public funds.

The public reaction to this issue shows there is deep concern about secrecy and privilege, and a strong desire for fairness. The question now is how we can turn that outrage into real, lasting change. I believe there is an opportunity to:

• Press for a parliamentary inquiry into the financial arrangements surrounding the settlement;

• Call for full transparency regarding any public resources or funds involved;

• Support legislative reform to ensure the royal household is subject to the same scrutiny as other public bodies; and

• Build cross-party and civic alliances to keep transparency and accountability at the heart of democratic renewal.

Thank you again for your integrity and courage in raising this matter in Parliament. Your call for openness has resonated widely, and I hope it marks the beginning of a broader, serious conversation about accountability at all levels of public life.

yours sincerely,

Danni Rawlings

Greens For A Republic member

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If you agree with the calls to action, then please send an adapted form of the letter to your MP, local Green group and other contacts.

Greens should support these calls because transparency, accountability, and fairness are core Green values. The monarchy’s financial opacity and lack of democratic scrutiny run counter to the Green commitment to open government and equality before the law. Supporting a push for clarity around the Andrew settlement aligns with broader Green principles — tackling privilege, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and strengthening trust in public institutions.

By backing these measures, Greens can demonstrate leadership on democratic reform, show solidarity with public concerns over integrity in public life, and advance the long-standing Green goal of a modern, accountable, and fully democratic state.