Cabinet Office Accused of Covering Up Royal Family Documents

The Cabinet Office faces accusations of covering up information related to the royal family, particularly concerning travel expenses for the former Duke of York, Prince Andrew, during his tenure as the UK trade envoy. Recently released documents to the National Archives included various files, but crucial minutes from meetings in 2004 and 2005 regarding royal visits were withheld at the last moment. The Cabinet Office attributed this withdrawal to an "administrative error," claiming these documents were never intended for public release. Among the discussions were potential changes in funding for Prince Andrew's travel, which could have increased costs by £90,000.

The Guardian

The documents released also contained information about the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and an apology from John Major's office regarding a misaddressed birthday telegram to the Queen Mother. Critics argue that the Cabinet Office routinely withholds files related to the royal family under the Public Records Act, with Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, suggesting that the palace's influence is a significant factor in these decisions. Smith stated, “The most likely reason for this attempt to stop disclosure is pressure from the palace.”

The Guardian

The withholding of documents has drawn criticism from various quarters. Smith emphasized the need for transparency, arguing that royal exemptions from public disclosure should not exist. The documents concerning Diana's death, previously released in 2005 under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that Downing Street had refused to disclose details of a conversation between then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac following the tragic incident, citing confidentiality.

The Guardian

In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Cabinet Office reiterated that the withdrawal of the documents was due to an administrative oversight. They maintained that the intention was to ensure compliance with legal obligations regarding the release of sensitive information.

The Guardian

While the Cabinet Office claims the withdrawal was an error, critics argue that this incident reflects a broader pattern of concealing information related to the royal family. There is a lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons for the withdrawal of the minutes, and the extent of the palace's influence remains a subject of speculation.

The Guardian

• “The most likely reason for this attempt to stop disclosure is pressure from the palace. The royals have sought to keep everything under wraps when it comes to Andrew, not to protect him but to protect themselves.” — Graham Smith, Chief Executive of Republic

The Guardian

• “The message itself, as it left our hands, was entirely correct. However, in transmitting it, it appears that British Telecom most unfortunately addressed the telegram in the improper manner which you described,” — Roderic Lyne, No 10 Private Office

The Guardian

The ongoing debate surrounding the Cabinet Office's actions highlights the tension between public interest and royal privacy, raising questions about accountability and transparency in government dealings with the monarchy.

The Guardian