Prince Andrew reported over claim of ‘false’ name for business
Anti-monarchist group The Republic reported the Duke of York to police for using a “false name” when registering Prince Andrew’s business interests.
The name “Andrew Inverness” was used in the Registrar of Companies’ registration details more than a decade ago – a reference to one of Prince Andrew’s lesser-known titles – Earl of Inverness.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received a report relating to the Companies House filing.
“The report will now be assessed to determine whether further action is required. There is no investigation at this time,” a Met spokesman said.
Republic Group chief executive Graham Smith said he had reported Prince Andrew to police for allegedly submitting false information to the Corporations Regulatory Authority, although he added there was no suggestion of fraud.
“Members of the royal family appear to believe they can act with impunity,” Mr Smith said.
“The act of submitting false information to Companies House may seem trivial, but the UK faces a serious problem of fraud being committed in this way.
“While no such fraud is alleged here, Andrew must certainly be held to the highest standards.
“It is an offense under the Corporations Act to submit false information and when such a high-profile figure is suspected of doing so, it is certainly in the public interest to pursue the matter.
“We want the police to pursue this matter without fear or favour, which they appear to have struggled with when it comes to members of the royal family.”
A Companies House spokesman said it did not comment on individual companies or documents.
But it is understood that the legislation enacted when the company was registered, the Companies Act 1985, included a three-year period for filing a legal challenge to information submitted to the Registrar of Companies, and “no proceedings can be brought thereafter”.
The Republic describes Prince Andrew’s “real name” as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In 1986, when Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson, in addition to the title of Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth II also granted him the titles of “Earl of Inverness” and “Baron Killili”.
Members of the royal family have previously been known to use titles as surnames.
For example, Prince Harry is known as “Captain Harry Wales” in the army, Prince William is “Lieutenant William Wales” While serving in the Royal Air Force.
Prince Andrew’s use of Andrew Inverness has previously been reported as Including reports from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), subsequently The tradition of using Scottish titles While on duty in Scotland.
Prince Andrew’s office has been contacted for comment.
Republic’s accusations follow controversy over Prince Andrew’s relationship with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who has been excluded from the UK due to security concerns.
This has prompted scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s finances, with Republic Group now raising questions over the use of “Andrew Inverness” in registration details over the past two decades.
Naples Gold had used “Andrew Inverness” (described as an “advisor”) in its registration information since 2003, and the company was subsequently dissolved in 2021.
Another company, Urramoor Limited, has had “HRH Andrew Inverness” as a “person of significant control” since 2006. The company filed for deregistration and dissolution last week.
