Brits have been left fuming over reports government documents about Prince Andrew will be kept under wraps until 2065.
Royal historian Andrew Lownie made the discovery after submitting a freedom of information (FOI) request to the Foreign Office, and discovering the documents would be kept secret until 105 years after the disgraced Duke of York's birth.
He told The Times he thought the documents were closed for 100 years and was surprised to learn it was actually five years longer.
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"It does seem quite extreme," he told the publication.
And it's not just Lownie, who has authored books about the Mountbattens and the Duke of Windsor, who is shocked by the revelation.
Brits took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with one writing: "One rule for them, and sod the rest of the country!"
Another chimed in: "There's obviously something to hide," while a third weighed in: "QUELLE SURPRISE, let’s wait until he’s 105 and generations have faded away.."
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Meanwhile a fourth added: "#PrinceAndrew files won't be released until 2065. The alleged pedophile Duke won't face any scrutiny over his dealings and trips in his lifetime, unless he lives to be 105.
"A Freedom of Information request has revealed that Andrew's correspondence with ministers and dealings as a 'trade ambassador' won't see the light of day for 42 years.
"Whatever your taxes do buy, it's not transparency."
Andrew's reputation took a hit when it was alleged by Virginia Giuffre she had been trafficked for him by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke denies all allegations.
Giuffre filed a lawsuit against the Duke in August 2021 but the pair ultimately settled out of court, with Andrew agreeing to pay an undisclosed amount of money.
While most government papers are allowed to be released after just two decades, it's a different story for the royal family.
Documents about members of the Firm have to remain closed until their 105th birthdays and the information is protected by a series of legal exemptions.
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Lownie came up against resistance when he requested information about a trip Andrew had taken, claiming he was refused by both the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office.
He also spent years and large amounts of cash trying to access Earl Mountbatten of Burma's personal diaries and letters, but to no avail.
"This culture of secrecy is often the default position," he slammed.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, www.victimsupport.org.uk.
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