Prince Andrew Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Alleged Ties to Controversial Businessman
Prince Andrew is under fresh scrutiny as new reports link his start-up venture Pitch@Palace to controversial millionaire Doug Barrowman, raising ethical concerns amid royal financial questions.
Duke of York Under Fire for Business Dealings With Millionaire Doug Barrowman
Prince Andrew is once again in the headlines as troubling reports surface regarding his alleged links to controversial millionaire Doug Barrowman, intensifying ongoing scrutiny surrounding the disgraced royal's business dealings.
Pitch@Palace Global's Ownership Raises New Legal Questions
According to an investigative report by the BBC, one of Prince Andrew’s key business ventures, Pitch@Palace Global—a Dragons’ Den-style start-up initiative—was legally controlled for nearly two years by a company affiliated with Barrowman.
The company in question, Knox House Trustees (UK), was reported as the legal owner of Pitch@Palace Global from 2021. Knox House was controlled by Barrowman until 2023, despite claims that the businessman never had direct personal or professional involvement with the Duke.
Business Ties and Royal Asset Management Practices
While official documents list Knox House Trustees as the nominee owner, the Duke of York retained operational control over the Pitch@Palace venture. This type of nominee arrangement, though legal, has raised ethical and transparency concerns, especially when linked to high-profile public figures like Prince Andrew.
Royal sources note this reflects a traditional asset structure sometimes used by members of the royal family, where ownership appears under third-party names for privacy or legal separation.
Barrowman’s COVID-Era Controversy Deepens Concerns
The situation escalated after Barrowman and his wife, Baroness Michelle Mone, publicly admitted to misleading the public about their connection to a firm that profited from government PPE contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although Barrowman denies any personal or business ties with Prince Andrew, the overlap of ownership and timing has renewed public concern and scrutiny.
How Does Prince Andrew Afford Royal Lodge?
The timing of these revelations has sparked renewed speculation about Prince Andrew’s financial sources, especially considering his ongoing residency at the Royal Lodge in Windsor—a lavish estate, despite being reportedly cut off financially by King Charles.
His questionable past associations have continued to draw criticism, particularly after he distanced himself from Yang Tengbo, a former associate tied to the Chinese branch of Pitch@Palace, following UK government warnings about possible espionage links.
“The Duke has since ended all communications with Mr Yang,” royal sources confirmed, following public concerns.
Royal Reputation at Stake
This latest controversy adds to the growing list of public and private pressures facing Prince Andrew. From the Epstein scandal to questionable business alliances, experts say the Duke’s return to public royal duties appears increasingly unlikely.
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