Prince Andrew: Paperwork relating to Duke of York's past business dealings 'has vanished', author claims

Government agencies are going to great lengths to refrain from disclosing details about Prince Andrew's previous business transactions.

The assertion is made by writer Andrew Lownie, who has spent the last four years researching and writing a new book about the Duke of York.

He has made more than a hundred inquiries to various government departments, only to discover that the information he was seeking seems to have disappeared.

In an interview with Sky News, he mentioned, "In the past, I wrote about intelligence agencies, and I discovered that it was much simpler and far more accessible compared to covering the Royal Family."

"I attempted to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain any documents related to Andrew, who served as a special representative from 2001 to 2011 and was funded by taxpayers as a public servant. However, my request was denied, and he remarked, 'It's like this information has disappeared.'"

"It's similar to a game of whack-a-mole."

The Foreign Office stated that they had no information regarding the matter. Meanwhile, the Department of Business and Trade also reported being unaware of any details.

"It's akin to a game of whack-a-mole. It's very much like something you'd see in Yes Minister—any excuse to keep this information from coming out."

In recent months, curiosity about Prince Andrew's financial situation has grown following the news that the King has stopped providing him with an allowance. This has led to inquiries regarding how he manages to cover the costs of living at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, as well as his security expenses.

The prince's role as a trade representative for the UK could be important, as it might have been a profitable opportunity for him, allowing him to connect with business contacts globally.

Details kept confidential 'as per the regulations'

A representative from the Department for Business and Trade stated, "The department has fulfilled its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act and the Public Records Act, and we stand by our decision to withhold certain information in line with these laws."

"This encompasses a notice from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), indicating that the commissioner was not required to pursue any additional actions."

In response to inquiries, the Foreign Office informed Sky News: "The FCDO places great importance on its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act."

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A Chinese entrepreneur, said to be a "trusted associate" of Prince Andrew, has been prohibited from entering the UK due to concerns about national security.

Referred to as H6, the individual was invited to the duke's birthday celebration in 2020. Andrew's assistant, Dominic Hampshire, informed him that he could assist with possible negotiations involving Chinese investors. A judge determined that the Chinese businessman had been granted an "uncommon" level of trust by the royal.

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On Friday, the duke announced that he had "ended all communication" with the businessman due to issues highlighted by the government.

Andrew encountered the person through formal means, and there were no discussions of a private or sensitive nature, according to a statement from his office.

Increasing demand for responsibility

Baroness Margaret Hodge, who served as the chair of the public accounts committee from 2010 to 2015, has added her voice to the demand for more transparency regarding the royal finances.

She mentioned, "It's hard for me to believe that the departments Prince Andrew interacted with during his time as an envoy don't have any records."

They definitely possess those records; it's clear they simply choose not to disclose them. That really sums it up.

"I believe in having a well-supported Royal Family. They play an important and respected role in our community, but with that financial support, there should also be a sense of responsibility."

The palace feels that since the duke is not a working royal, his earnings and tax matters are his own concern and should be dealt with by him and HM Revenue and Customs.

Regarding the funding for Royal Lodge, Sky News has learned that the royal household has received assurances that his income sources are legitimate. However, they are not responsible for investigating or approving these income sources.

It views this as a responsibility for the Crown Estate, which oversees properties such as the Windsor Estate.

However, Royal Lodge holds greater significance for the family as a whole.

Since it was once the residence of the Queen Mother, there are speculations that other royal family members might consider moving in there someday. This could include the Prince and Princess of Wales or even Queen Camilla, who might see it as a place for her family.

Robert Hardman, a journalist and the author of *Charles III: New King. New Court*, notes that "anything related to Prince Andrew is unclear and perplexing. People tend to avoid discussing it because his circumstances draw attention away from other matters."

He went on to say, “The important concern isn't just what's going on right now; it's about what might occur in a few years. What if his savings deplete? Considering his current income sources, what if they dry up and he can no longer cover the costs of maintenance or protection? What will that mean for the lease at that point?”

Is the Crown Estate suggesting that the lease has been canceled? It's unclear at this point.

While this is a personal financial issue for him, the house's significance, history, and connections mean that the media will undoubtedly continue to pay close attention to it. The Crown Estate and the Treasury are also likely to remain interested.

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Five years ago, Prince Andrew gave a TV interview aimed at quelling the controversy surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The intention was to put the scandal to rest so that he could resume his public responsibilities without the ongoing distraction.

On the contrary, it produced the reverse outcome.

This year, he has made just one official appearance in front of the cameras, when he seemed to guide his family as they made their way to the chapel at Windsor for a memorial service in February.

This Christmas, we might once again spot Andrew joining the rest of the family for church at Sandringham. This is a clear indication that his relatives haven't completely shut him out.

However, he continues to deal with the consequences of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. His remarkable fall from grace raises ongoing questions about his life, his lifestyle, and his financial situation.