Andrew ‘had taxpayers fund his massages and travel’
Retired civil servants have claimed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayers’ money for massages and excessive travel expenses while he was Britain’s trade envoy.
The BBC reported that a former civil servant refused to pay for the ex-prince’s massage but was overruled by senior staff, telling the broadcaster: “I thought it was wrong… I said we shouldn’t pay but we paid anyway.”
A former government official who oversaw the funding told the BBC they had “absolutely no doubt” about the veracity of the claim after seeing similar expenses for foreign travel.
The comments come as police searches at Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former home in Windsor, Berkshire, are expected to continue until Monday after he was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former prince was detained for 11 hours on his 66th birthday and police officers searched his home at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk before he was released under investigation.
Andrew is accused of sharing sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment.
Juan Alessi, Epstein’s former housekeeper in Florida, said in a 2009 videotaped interview under oath that Andrew would get a “daily massage” during his visit.
Speaking to the BBC, the whistleblower said of allegations that taxpayers’ money was used for massages during his time as Britain’s trade envoy: “I wouldn’t say it would have stopped him but we should have flagged something was wrong.”
A separate public service official, who said Andrew had claimed extra charges for flights, hotel rooms and surroundings, told the broadcaster: “I couldn’t believe it… it wasn’t like it was real money, they weren’t spending their own money.”
Calls have grown from a number of public figures for a fuller investigation into Andrew’s past dealings with disgraced financier Epstein.
He has denied any wrongdoing over his connection to the convicted sex offender but has not responded directly to the latest allegations.
The former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne, despite being stripped of his title in 2025, and it would take an act of parliament to depose Andrew and prevent him from becoming king.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government will consider introducing such legislation after police complete their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother, the Press Association understands.
On Sunday, the Prince and Princess of Wales made their first joint public appearance since their arrest and attended the BAFTA awards on Sunday evening.
During the event, William told Elaine Bedell, CEO of Southbank Center, and Allison Kirkby, CEO of BT Group, that he had not seen Hamnet yet, adding: “I need to be in a pretty calm state and I’m not at the moment.”
