Former Prince Andrew Faced Questions Over Taxpayer-Funded Massages During Trade Envoy Role
– Allegations have surfaced detailing how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, reportedly charged taxpayers for massage services and excessive travel expenses while serving as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. The claims come from retired civil servants who worked within the UK’s trade department during that period.
One former civil servant recounted a specific instance involving a request for reimbursement for “massage services” following a visit to the Middle East. “I thought it was wrong… I’d said we mustn’t pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway,” he told the BBC, indicating his initial refusal was overruled by senior staff. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed regret that the expense wasn’t flagged as potentially inappropriate, suggesting it could have been an opportunity to address concerning behavior.
The Department for Business and Trade has not directly disputed the claim regarding the massage expenses, but has referenced the ongoing police investigation into the former prince, according to reports. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his associations with Jeffrey Epstein and has also refuted any personal financial gain derived from his role as trade envoy.
While Andrew’s position as trade representative was unpaid, he received support from civil servants and taxpayer funding for his overseas travel. Another source, described as a former senior Whitehall official, corroborated the claim about the expenses, lending further weight to the allegations.
The revelations have prompted concern from political figures. Fiona Scott, Vice President of the Liberal Party, described the charges against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as “very concerning.”
During his decade-long tenure as trade envoy, Andrew actively promoted British interests globally, engaging with presidents, ministers, and business leaders in an effort to secure trade deals. However, reports suggest he was “seen as a liability” in the role. The former civil servant who initially objected to the massage expense noted that, in retrospect, the situation should have prompted a closer examination of Andrew’s conduct.
“I can’t say it would have stopped him, but we should have flagged that something was wrong,” the retired official stated. Another source within the department confirmed seeing similar expense claims during Andrew’s trips, expressing “absolutely no doubt” about the authenticity of the allegations.
The allegations come as the UK royal family faces what has been described as its biggest challenge in decades following Andrew’s arrest. The situation raises questions about oversight and accountability regarding expenses incurred by public figures representing the UK on the international stage.
Andrew’s role as trade envoy involved advocating for U.K. Trade and investment, and cultivating relationships with key international figures. The current scrutiny surrounding his expenses is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and stricter controls over public funds used for official travel and representation.
