Andrew ‘commissioned glowing report into role that boosted taxpayer expenses’ | Royal | News
It has been revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “commissioned a glowing report that increased taxpayers’ spending”. The 66-year-old actor served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.
The role was unpaid, but funded by the government, along with travel and associated expenses and staff costs. according to I Paper, Andrew commissioned an “independent strategic review” of his mandate in early 2008; this review found it to be a “very valuable UK asset” and led to an increase in taxpayer funding.
The Epstein files, released earlier this year, contained details of the review from when Andrew’s office was expanded in June 2009.
Andrew’s private secretary sent a recruitment packet to Philip Yea, the former chief executive of 3i Group plc, containing background information on the creation of his new role, which he held until 2014.
He said: “The review showed that HRH is extremely valued by UK businesses and must continue to develop its role as a unique and highly valuable UK asset.
“The government has recognized this and provided strong support with increased funding to support the duke’s activities.”
The scrutiny comes after Andrew earned negative headlines for his spending, including earning the nickname Air Miles Andy for his penchant for expensive travel.
Andrew’s taxpayer-funded travel costs totaled more than £350,000 for five trips he took in 2010 and 2011, according to previously published accounts from the Royal Family.
At the time of the review, The Daily Telegraph quoted a royal source as saying: “There is not a word of criticism of the prince in the PWC report and is largely supportive of his work – but it is not always easy to gauge how much of the deal being finalized is down to him.”
Following the review, the government signed a larger budget for its expenses in running its business affairs; It apparently also included paying for accommodation, travel and other related expenses for both Andrew and his staff.
