Campaigners have written to every MP in Westminster, revealing an email exchange from the Speaker's office that confirms they can challenge the royals.

Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, wrote to the Speaker Lyndsay Hoyle in 2022, questioning whether MPs are barred from discussing the royals.

Hoyle's reply confirmed that the situation was often confused and misunderstood, saying:

"There is no general prohibition on discussing of matters relating to the Royal Family in the House of Commons and recent press coverage has rather confused the issue."

The advice from Hoyle said while there are general rules about casually criticising people in the Commons, there was no bar to debating the conduct of members of the royal family.

Speaking today Graham Smith said:

"It is absurd that our MPs feel restricted in what they can or cannot say about the royals, particularly when Andrew is facing multiple accusations of corruption and criminality."

"Following a row over comments made by Keir Starmer while in opposition, I wrote to the Speaker to ask for clarity over what could be said in the Commons."

"I'm pleased that Lyndsay Hoyle was able to set the record straight over this, but since then he doesn't seem to explained the situation very well to his colleagues."

"Clearly our MPs must be free to discuss, criticise and oppose members of the royal family. It would be offensive to democratic values if that weren't the case."

"I have written to MPs to ensure they are aware of the rules and feel free and able to speak up on the conduct of the royals and the monarchy."

"William and Charles have serious questions to answer about their own role in covering for and protecting Andrew. While Andrew faces a growing number of accusations of criminality."

"It cannot be right that while MPs can criticise the actions of police forces and football clubs, they cannot discuss the conduct of one of the nation's central institutions."

The exchange between Graham Smith and the Speaker's office can be seen here.

The email from Graham Smith to all MPs, sent on Monday 20th October, can be seen here.