Ex-Royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Accused of Using Taxpayer Funds for Massages

Civil servants claim that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, used taxpayer money to pay for massages and excessive travel costs while serving as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. One former staff member stated they initially refused the massage expense but were overruled by senior staff.

Key points

• The alleged expenses, including massages and excessive travel costs, occurred during Andrew's unpaid role as trade representative from 2001 to 2011.
• A retired civil servant claimed to have been annoyed by the massage request and refused payment, but was overruled by superiors.
• A former senior Whitehall official overseeing finances confirmed seeing similar expenses and had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.
• The allegations surface shortly after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
• The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the specific claim.

Why it matters

These fresh allegations regarding the use of public funds add to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, particularly following his recent arrest.