Written by: Sarah Johnson
Unveiling a complex web of intertwining business relationships, it has come to light that a notable business asset owned by Prince Andrew was managed by a company tied to the wealthy entrepreneur Doug Barrowman, as reported by the BBC. Following the prince’s controversial Newsnight interview in 2019, the legal ownership of his venture, Pitch@Palace Global, was shifted to a firm known as Knox House Trustees (UK), under Barrowman’s influence for a period of two years.
The spotlight has been on Doug Barrowman and his wife Michelle Mone, the owner of a prominent lingerie business, as they faced allegations of dishonesty regarding their connections to a company that secured substantial government contracts during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite the revelations, a representative for Mr. Barrowman stated that there was no direct involvement, whether personal or professional, between him and the prince.
Pitch@Palace Global, although technically under Prince Andrew’s jurisdiction, was traditionally held under the names of third-party entities serving as nominees, acting on his behalf. Records from Companies House indicate that between 2021 and 2023, Knox House Trustees (UK), under the supervision of Mr. Barrowman, assumed the role of nominee owner.
The financial affairs of Prince Andrew have been under intense examination, particularly as he was financially severed by his brother, King Charles, raising questions about his ability to sustain his lifestyle. His associations with individuals like Yang Tengbo and Doug Barrowman have sparked controversy, with the latter facing scrutiny for purported tax avoidance schemes and his involvement in the PPE Medpro affair, currently under investigation by the National Crime Agency. Andrew Lownie, an author delving into the prince’s biography, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into his financial dealings.
Investigations into Barrowman’s corporate ventures have shed light on the intricate network of relationships surrounding the ownership of Pitch@Palace Global. Arthur Lancaster, a trusted accountant with long-standing ties to both Prince Andrew and Mr. Barrowman, has emerged as a central figure in the intricate ownership structure of the venture, as well as in other legal entanglements. The practice of utilizing nominees to hold investments has been a longstanding tradition within the Royal Family, serving to maintain the privacy of their financial holdings. Despite the transparency surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with Pitch@Palace Global, questions persist regarding the intricate relationships underpinning the venture’s ownership
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