EXPOSED: Andrew’s messages about £100,000 payment for Beatrice and Eugenie from tycoon known as ‘Spotty’ that have sparked demands princesses ‘come clean’ about their finances – and Beatrice’s eye-poppingly jet-set year
EXPOSED: Andrew’s secret £100,000 payments to Beatrice and Eugenie from tycoon ‘Spotty’ spark demands for princesses to disclose finances
Recent revelations have intensified scrutiny on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie following the discovery of messages indicating their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, facilitated secret payments of £100,000 to each of them during his tenure as a trade envoy. The Mail on Sunday uncovered correspondence detailing how Andrew negotiated these transfers with David Rowland, a billionaire known as ‘Spotty’, who had ties to his financial interests.
Earlier investigations had already exposed Andrew’s role in advancing the business ventures of David Rowland and his son Jonathan while on international trade missions funded by public money. Now, new emails reveal he anticipated receiving £300,000 from Rowland, with £50,000 allocated to each daughter. This has prompted questions about whether the princesses’ opulent lifestyles were partially funded by these payments.
MPs have called for transparency, demanding clarification on whether the payments were linked to Andrew’s influence in promoting Rowland’s commercial projects. The disclosures add to the growing debate over the royal family’s financial dealings, particularly as Beatrice and Eugenie face criticism over their spending habits in their early twenties.
David Rowland, a tax-exile for over three decades, returned to the UK ahead of the 2010 General Election to contribute £2.7 million to the Conservative campaign. His son Jonathan, now 50, was later seen accompanying Andrew on official missions, where he advocated for their family’s bank, Banque Havilland.
Documents also show Andrew and David Rowland co-owned a firm registered in the British Virgin Islands, a well-known tax haven. This entity appears to have been used to attract wealthy contacts to invest in an offshore fund with favorable tax terms.
“I have explained to Amanda what was intended. That is 50 [thousand] each to the girls. 50 [thousand] for me… All this to be done once receipt of the £300 [thousand] happens.”
Jonathan Rowland later confirmed the arrangement, writing: “Just so I am clear. You have Euro 650k (£575k) in the Bank. 50k each to the girls. Jelly I am clear on although the girls accounts might not be in place so you can do £100k and we work it out later.”
Andrew’s messages suggest the £300,000 was sourced from David Rowland, with portions directed to Beatrice, Eugenie, and his own account. The princesses have yet to comment, but sources indicate they are reviewing historical financial records to address the allegations.
Beatrice, who held the title of ‘international production analyst’ at Sony Pictures, earned £19,500 annually in 2015. Despite this, she reportedly took 17 holidays that year, raising questions about her financial independence. The ongoing controversy underscores the broader concerns about the use of public funds in private financial arrangements.