Prince Andrew is once again under public scrutiny after new revelations surfaced linking one of his business ventures to controversial millionaire Doug Barrowman, amid growing concerns over the Duke of York’s financial dealings and associations.
According to documents reviewed by the BBC, legal ownership of Prince Andrew’s Pitch@Palace Global — a Dragons’ Den-style start-up competition was transferred in 2021 to Knox House Trustees (UK), a company controlled by Barrowman until 2023. Barrowman, a financier, and his wife, Baroness Michelle Mone, a lingerie entrepreneur, recently admitted to misleading the public about their connection to a firm that won significant government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Despite the formal ownership change, Pitch@Palace Global reportedly remained under Prince Andrew’s control. The arrangement reflects a longstanding royal tradition in which assets are registered under the names of nominees — individuals or companies acting on behalf of members of the Royal Family, told the BBC.
Nonetheless, the link has raised serious questions. “At no time… had any business or personal involvement with the duke,” said a lawyer representing Mr. Barrowman, denying any direct connection between the businessman and Prince Andrew.
The newly uncovered link to Barrowman comes as the Duke continues to face pressure over how he can afford to maintain his Windsor residence, the Royal Lodge, after being financially cut off by King Charles III. His choice of business associates has also prompted further skepticism.
In another controversy surrounding the Duke’s business network, Prince Andrew in December announced that he had “ceased all contact” with Yang Tengbo, the former head of Pitch@Palace’s Chinese branch. The move followed UK government warnings suggesting Yang was involved in espionage — an allegation he has denied.
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Documents filed with Companies House confirm that Knox House Trustees (UK) acted as the nominee owner of Pitch@Palace Global for two years, during which time Barrowman was the firm’s ultimate owner.
The revelations add to the mounting concerns over Prince Andrew’s post-royal business dealings. While the use of nominees is not unusual among royalty, the connection to figures like Barrowman, who is embroiled in public scandal, further complicates the Duke’s efforts to rebuild his reputation.
As investigations and public interest in royal finances intensify, Prince Andrew’s future involvement in any business ventures is likely to attract continued attention.
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