Newly published claims have cast a dark shadow over the official overseas visits of a former senior royal, alleging they served as a cover for extensive personal misconduct funded by the public.
According to a recent unauthorized biography, the individual, who was recently stripped of his princely title and styles, is accused of systematically using his former role as a Trade Envoy for personal gratification. The book suggests that taxpayer-funded official trips routinely included extended periods of “private time,” which were allegedly exploited for illicit activities.
The biography details one particular state visit to Thailand in the early 2000s, coinciding with the birthday of the late king. It is claimed that instead of staying at the embassy, the envoy insisted on a five-star hotel. Over a four-day span during this trip, sources cited in the book allege that approximately forty sex workers were procured for his exclusive use.
The author states these allegations have been corroborated by multiple sources, including an international news agency correspondent and a member of the Thai royal family, suggesting the activities were facilitated by diplomatic personnel.
These explosive claims emerge amid a dramatic fall from grace for the former royal. Just this week, Buckingham Palace formally announced the removal of his princely title and honours. He will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
This decision follows his recent eviction from his long-term residence, Royal Lodge, after being served notice to surrender the lease. These actions come despite his continued denial of all allegations against him, which have been a persistent source of scandal.
The renewed scrutiny stems from his well-documented association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the posthumous publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who had previously settled a sexual assault lawsuit with him out of court. He had already relinquished his Duke of York title in the preceding days.
The latest allegations present a severe picture of a former representative allegedly abusing his position and public funds, compounding the existing controversies that have led to his effective removal from royal life.
