Prince Andrew at centre of new row over Range Rover fitted with blue emergency lights

Prince Andrew at centre of new row over Range Rover fitted with blue emergency lights

WATCH NOW: 'World's poshest squatter' - Prince Andrew slated

GB News
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 21/04/2024

- 11:25

The Duke of York was stripped of his police protection two years ago

  • Prince Andrew was seen using a £100,000 Range Rover
  • The Duke of York is no longer a working member of the Royal Family
  • Have your say: Do you think Prince Andrew should still have access to royal perks? Just click the comment button above now

Prince Andrew is at the centre of a new row over his Range Rover, which is fitted with blue emergency lights.

The Duke of York, who stepped down from royal duties over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, continues to drive a £100,000 4X4 for horse-riding trips in Windsor, according to reports.


Prince Andrew, 64, also took the car to lunch at Harry's Bar, a glitzy private members' club in Mayfair.

Royal critics are surprised the duke is still given privileges despite no longer being a working royal.

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew is at the centre of a new royal row

Getty

He has been photographed driving the vehicle in Windsor and central London, and is often followed by private protection officers in a £60,000 Land Rover Discovery, The Mail has reported.

The Range Rover is assigned to the duke and is fitted with police lights, while the "back-up" Land Rover is fitted with amber hazard lights as part of a fleet leased by the Royal Household.

It is illegal for the public to fit blue lights on their car, but all members of the Royal Family have a special dispensation so vehicles can be used for official engagements and police convoys.

However, as Andrew is no longer a working royal, there are few scenarios, other than State Funerals or Coronations, where he or his private security team would be allowed to use the lights.

Prince AndrewPrince Andrew was stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022Getty

It is understood the blue lights in Andrew's Range Rover have never been switched on.

The special treatment has raised eyebrows at Scotland Yard, where sources questioned why "this vehicle fitted with emergency equipment is being driven".

Nazir Afzal OBE, a former Chief Crown Prosecutor, told The Mail: "There is no justification for Andrew having these blue lights. The vehicle should be withdrawn.

"It's highly inappropriate, suggests arrogance and sends out a message that he is entitled to services that the average citizen wouldn't be.

Prince AndrewPrince Andrew is Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's fatherPA

"There needs to be a review so only working Royals should have access to this privilege."

Dai Davies, former head of royalty protection at Scotland Yard, added: "Andrew does not need or warrant these blue lights in the current circumstances. The only rationale would be if his threat level changes and his police protection is reintroduced."

Sources close to the duke claimed the taxpayer does not fund the car.

GB News has approached the Duke of York's representatives for comment.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

Prince AndrewPrince Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 Getty

Prince Andrew's car contrasts with his niece, Zara Tindall, who was recently photographed driving a Hyundai Tucson.

The Duke of York was stripped of his honours and taxpayer-funded armed police guards at the end of 2022, which previously cost the public up to £3million a year.

Andrew was forced to step down from royal duties in late 2019 after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with Epstein.

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