Andrew reported after ‘false’ business name claim
The Duke of York has been reported to police by anti-monarchy group Republic over claims a “false name” was used when registering Prince Andrew’s business interests.
The registration details with Companies House used the name “Andrew Inverness” – a reference to Earl of Inverness, one of Prince Andrew’s titles, but not his most widely known title.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received a report relating to the Companies House filing.
A Met Office spokesperson said, “This report will now be assessed to determine whether any further action is required. There is no further investigation at this early stage.”
Republic Group chief executive Graham Smith said he had reported Prince Andrew to the police for allegedly filing false information with Companies House – although he said there was no suggestion of fraud.
“The royal family appear to believe they can act with impunity,” Mr Smith said.
He said, “Filing false information with Companies House may seem like a trivial matter, but the UK faces serious issues with fraud carried out in this manner. Although no such fraud has been alleged here, there are certainly Andrew should be held to the highest standards.”
“Since filing false information is an offense under the Companies Act, there must be public interest in pursuing this case when such a high profile person is allegedly doing it.
Mr Smith said, “We expect the police to pursue this case without fear or favour, which is something they have to contend with when it comes to the royals.”
The Republic chief also questioned the address registered at Companies House as Prince Andrew’s “usual residential address” – and cited a Daily Mail article from December 2019. Highlighting a claim that he did not use Sunninghill Park, his then home in Windsor On a document.
A Companies House spokesman said it would not comment on individual companies or filings.
The Republic states Prince Andrew’s “real name” is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
But as well as the title of Duke of York, Prince Andrew was given the titles of Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, when he married Sarah Ferguson.
Royals have been known to use first titles as surnames. For example, Prince Harry was known in the army as “Captain Harry Wales”. Prince William was “Flight Lieutenant William Wells” During his time in the RAF.
And the use of Andrew Inverness by Prince Andrew was previously reported, including BBC, which was followed Tradition of using their Scottish title When he was performing in Scotland.
Prince Andrew’s office has been contacted for comment.
Republic Group’s claims come after controversy over Prince Andrew’s relationship with Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman who was banned from the UK due to security concerns.
it inspired Investigations into Prince Andrew’s finances – and the Republic Group – have now challenged the legality of using “Andrew Inverness” in registration details over the past two decades.
For the company Naples Gold, “Andrew Inverness”, described as a “consultant”, was used in registration details from 2003, with the firm later dissolved in 2021.
Another firm, Urramur Ltd, was named in the 2006 filing with “HRH Andrew Inverness” as the “person with significant control”. An application to wind up and dissolve the firm was made last week.