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Prince Andrew Faces New Expense Allegations

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. prince-andrew-faces-new-expense-allegations.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 20:11 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 24th, 2026 - Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is once again at the center of controversy as fresh allegations surface regarding his expenses during his time as the UK's Special Representative for Trade and Investment, a role he held between 2011 and 2015. Former civil servants have come forward accusing the Prince of charging taxpayers for personal services, specifically massages, received while fulfilling his duties. The allegations, reported by the Financial Times, are prompting a formal inquiry by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

These claims add another layer to existing concerns surrounding Prince Andrew's spending as an envoy. Reports indicate that the total expenses incurred during his four-year tenure exceeded GBP215,000, sparking questions about the appropriateness of the spending and the oversight mechanisms in place at the time. Beyond the massage claims, scrutiny also focuses on the Prince's use of helicopters and other travel and accommodation expenses.

The FCDO has confirmed it is actively reviewing documentation related to the expenses of the Special Representative for Trade and Investment. While officials have refrained from directly addressing the specifics of the massage allegations, a spokesperson emphasized the department's commitment to responsible public spending. "The FCDO is committed to ensuring that public funds are spent appropriately and in accordance with the law. We are reviewing documents related to the expenses of the Special Representative for Trade and Investment," the statement read. The scope of the review will likely encompass a detailed audit of all submitted expense claims, cross-referenced with supporting documentation and official travel schedules.

This investigation arrives at a particularly sensitive time for the Royal Family. Prince Andrew stepped down from public duties in 2019 following the explosive revelations surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout from this scandal led to the late Queen Elizabeth II stripping him of his military titles and royal patronages in January 2022 - a unprecedented move reflecting the gravity of the allegations levelled against him. He consistently denies the accusations made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged sexual abuse. However, the damage to his reputation and standing within the royal institution remains significant.

The Role of Special Representative and Questions of Accountability

The position of Special Representative for Trade and Investment, now rebranded as Envoy, is intended to promote UK trade and investment abroad. While historically filled by individuals with significant experience in business or diplomacy, the appointment of Prince Andrew raised eyebrows at the time, with some critics questioning whether his connections and perceived lifestyle were compatible with the role's objectives. The position demands rigorous justification of expenditure, particularly given the need to demonstrate value for money to taxpayers.

Experts in royal finance and public accountability suggest this latest inquiry will likely focus on several key areas: Firstly, whether the claimed expenses for massages were legitimately business-related - for example, if they were intended to address specific health concerns arising from the demands of extensive travel. Secondly, whether existing expense policies were adequate to prevent abuse, and if not, what improvements are necessary. Thirdly, the level of oversight provided by the FCDO at the time, and whether sufficient checks and balances were in place to ensure responsible spending.

"The key question is not necessarily whether the Prince received massages, but whether charging these to the public purse was permissible under the rules governing his role," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a political analyst specializing in royal finances at the London School of Economics. "The FCDO will be looking for evidence to support the classification of these expenses. Were they presented as a necessary component of maintaining his health for official duties, or were they simply personal indulgences?"

Potential Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny

The outcome of this FCDO inquiry could have significant implications. If the review confirms the allegations and finds evidence of inappropriate spending, it could lead to further calls for Prince Andrew to contribute financially towards the expenses or face other forms of sanction, though the latter is considered unlikely given his current status. The scandal also risks reigniting public debate about the funding and accountability of royal expenses.

The Prince remains a highly controversial figure, and any further evidence of questionable financial practices will undoubtedly fuel further negative publicity. The Royal Family, already navigating a period of transition and public scrutiny, will be keen to see this matter resolved swiftly and transparently to minimize further damage to their reputation. The FCDO is expected to release its findings within the next few months, promising a detailed accounting of the Prince's expenses and a full assessment of the allegations.