Andrew Commissioned Glowing Review Into His Trade Envoy Role to Secure Taxpayer Perks: Report
The PwC review sent to Andrew's business adviser stated that he should continue developing his role as a 'unique and highly valuable' asset.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor just cannot escape the myriad unfavorable allegations tied to his past. Now, a new report claims he initiated a glowing review of his role as the UK's trade envoy, which significantly boosted his taxpayer-funded expenses. The review, sent to his senior business adviser, stated the former Prince was highly respected in the UK business and should continue developing his role as a 'unique and highly valuable' asset— around the same time he generated headlines over his costly travels and lavish spending.
A report by The i Paper found evidence that Mountbatten-Windsor commissioned an 'independent strategic review' of his role in early 2008. Details of it were allegedly found in a contract listed in the Epstein files, from when his office expanded in June 2009. The former Duke of York's private secretary appeared to describe the outcome of the report to his senior business partner, Philip Yea. It said, "The review indicated that HRH was highly valued by UK businesses and that he should continue to develop the role as a unique and highly valuable UK asset. The government agreed and provided strong endorsement with increased funding to support the Duke's activities."
Interestingly, the review by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) took place after Mountbatten-Windsor attracted negative headlines for his eye-watering personal visits at the cost of taxpayers. At the time, his role, which he held from 2001 to 2011, had critics questioning why his business trips coincided with exotic travels to vacations and golf courses. According to previously published Royal Household accounts, his travel expenses totaled more than $475,000 across five trips he made between 2010 and 2011. After the review, it is understood that the government paid for his and his staff's accommodation, travel, and other related expenses.
After massive coverage of his excessive spending, Mountbatten-Windsor released select findings from the PwC review in 2009 after MPs questioned whether parts of it had been withheld. Meanwhile, HR documents tied to Yea's appointment offered insight into the ex-Prince's expectations from his employees. They asserted, "At all times conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to that of a senior member of the household of his royal highness the Duke of York," and also warned that "breaches of the regulations relating to security and confidentiality may lead to withdrawal of your security pass and immediate termination of this agreement." Yea's role was largely unaided, but it offered paid expenses and lunch at Buckingham Palace while working with Mountbatten-Windsor.
