Prince Andrew reported over claim of 'false' name for business
2025-01-07
Category: economic

The Duke of York has been reported to the police by anti-monarchist group Republic, as it claims a "false name" was used in registering Prince Andrew's business interests.The name "Andrew Inverness" was used in registration details with Companies House over a decade ago - the name a reference to one of Prince Andrew's lesser-known titles, the Earl of Inverness.The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received a report relating to a Companies House filing. "This report will now be assessed to determine whether any further action is required. There is no investigation at this early stage," said a Met spokesman.
Graham Smith, chief executive officer of the Republic group, said he had reported Prince Andrew to the police over the alleged filing of false information with Companies House - although he added there was no suggestion of fraud."The royals appear to believe they can act with impunity," said Mr Smith."The apparent filing of false information with Companies House may seem trivial, but the UK faces serious issues of fraud committed in this way. "While no such fraud is alleged here, surely Andrew must be held to the highest standards."As it is an offence under the Companies Act to file false information there must surely be a public interest in pursuing the matter when it's such a high profile figure allegedly doing it."We expect the police to pursue this matter without fear or favour, something they seem to struggle with when it comes to the royals."A spokesman for Companies House said it would not comment on individual companies or filings.But it's understood that the legislation in place when the firms were registered was the Companies Act of 1985 - and that included a three-year time limit for legal challenges over information filed with Companies House and that "no action can be brought after this".Republic describes Prince Andrew's "real name" as being Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.But as well as the title of Duke of York, Prince Andrew was given the titles Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 when he married Sarah Ferguson.Royals have previously been known to use titles as surnames. For instance, Prince Harry was known in the Army as "Captain Harry Wales" and Prince William was "Flight Lieutenant William Wales" during his time in the RAF.And Prince Andrew's use of Andrew Inverness had previously been reported, including by the BBC, which had followed the tradition of using his Scottish title when he was carrying out engagements in Scotland. Prince Andrew's office has been approached for comment.The claims by the Republic group follow the controversy over Prince Andrew's links with a Chinese businessman, Yang Tengbo, who was excluded from the UK over security concerns.It prompted scrutiny of Prince Andrew's finances - and the Republic group has now challenged the use of "Andrew Inverness" in registration details over the past two decades.For the company Naples Gold, "Andrew Inverness", who is described as a "consultant", was used in registration details from 2003, with the firm having subsequently been dissolved in 2021.Another firm, Urramoor Limited, had the name "HRH Andrew Inverness" as a "person with significant control", in details from 2006. An application to strike off and dissolve this firm was made last week.