Prince Andrew’s Business Filings Under Scrutiny as Anti-Monarchist Group Alleges Use of "False Name"
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy after the anti-monarchist group Republic reported him to the Metropolitan Police for allegedly using a "false name" in registering his business interests with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. The group claims that the use of "Andrew Inverness," a reference to his lesser-known title of Earl of Inverness rather than his more commonly recognized title of Duke of York, constitutes a breach of company law. While Republic asserts no suggestion of fraud, the incident has raised questions about the level of scrutiny applied to the financial dealings of members of the royal family and whether they are held to the same standards as ordinary citizens.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed receipt of the report and stated that it is being assessed to determine if further action is warranted. At this early stage, there is no formal investigation underway. Republic’s CEO, Graham Smith, emphasized that while the alleged filing of false information may appear trivial, it has broader implications given the current climate of concern about corporate fraud in the UK. He stressed the importance of holding Prince Andrew to the highest standards, particularly given his prominent public profile, and called upon the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, regardless of the individual’s status.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Republic also questioned the address registered with Companies House as Prince Andrew’s "usual residential address." The group cited a 2019 Daily Mail article that raised doubts about whether Prince Andrew actually resided at his then-home of Sunninghill Park in Windsor, the address listed on one document. This raises further questions about the accuracy of the information provided to Companies House and strengthens Republic’s call for a comprehensive investigation.
Republic maintains that Prince Andrew’s legal name is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. However, members of the Royal Family have historically used various titles in different contexts. Prince Andrew was bestowed the titles Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh upon his marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986. The use of these alternative titles as surnames is not entirely unprecedented within the royal family. Prince Harry and Prince William were known as "Captain Harry Wales" and "Flight Lieutenant William Wales," respectively, during their military service. Furthermore, the BBC had previously used the title "Andrew Inverness" in reports concerning Prince Andrew’s engagements in Scotland, following tradition.
This latest controversy follows closely on the heels of the scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew’s connections with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who was barred from the UK due to security concerns. The incident sparked renewed focus on Prince Andrew’s financial activities, prompting Republic to challenge the legality of his use of "Andrew Inverness" in company registrations spanning two decades. Specifically, the name "Andrew Inverness" appeared as a "consultant" in records for Naples Gold, a company dissolved in 2021 after operating since 2003. Similarly, "HRH Andrew Inverness" was listed as a "person with significant control" in records for Urramoor Limited, a company for which an application for dissolution was filed last week.
The unfolding situation has ignited debate about the transparency and accountability expected of prominent figures, especially those within the royal family. Republic’s challenge underscores the need for clarity regarding the proper use of names and titles in official company filings and whether Prince Andrew’s practices conform to established regulations. The Metropolitan Police’s assessment of the report will be closely watched as it could potentially lead to a full-blown investigation, further intensifying the spotlight on Prince Andrew’s financial dealings. The outcome of this situation could have broader implications for how the financial activities of the royal family are scrutinized in the future.