nti-monarchist group Republic has reported Prince Andrew to the Metropolitan Police over his use of “Andrew Inverness” in business registration documents, though the group acknowledges there is no suggestion of fraud. The name, derived from his title as Earl of Inverness, appeared in Companies House filings spanning more than a decade. The Police Response The Metropolitan Police confirmed receipt of the report, stating: “This report will now be assessed to determine whether any further action is required. There is no investigation at this early stage.” The Business Connections The allegations center around two companies:
Naples Gold: “Andrew Inverness” listed as a “consultant” in 2003 (dissolved 2021) Urramoor Limited: “HRH Andrew Inverness” registered as a “person with significant control” in 2006 (application for dissolution filed last week)
Legal Context Companies House has indicated that under the Companies Act 1985, which was in force when the firms were registered, there is a three-year time limit for legal challenges over filed information, meaning “no action can be brought after this.” Republic’s Position Graham Smith, Republic’s CEO, argued for investigation despite the time limitation: “The royals appear to believe they can act with impunity. The apparent filing of false information with Companies House may seem trivial, but the UK faces serious issues of fraud committed in this way.” Smith added: “While no such fraud is alleged here, surely Andrew must be held to the highest standards… We expect the police to pursue this matter without fear or favour, something they seem to struggle with when it comes to the royals.” Royal Title Usage The use of titles as surnames has precedent within the royal family:
Prince Harry served as “Captain Harry Wales” in the Army Prince William was known as “Flight Lieutenant William Wales” in the RAF Prince Andrew’s Scottish title was commonly used during engagements in Scotland
Historical Context The Earl of Inverness title was bestowed upon Prince Andrew by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, alongside Duke of York and Baron Killyleagh, when he married Sarah Ferguson. While Republic refers to his “real name” as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the use of territorial titles as surnames has been an established royal practice. Recent Controversies This latest scrutiny comes amid broader questions about Prince Andrew’s financial dealings, particularly following revelations about his connections to Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who was later excluded from the UK over security concerns. Timeline of Events:
2003: “Andrew Inverness” first appears in Naples Gold registration 2006: Name used in Urramoor Limited documentation 2021: Naples Gold dissolved 2024: Urramoor Limited files for dissolution 2024: Republic files police report
The controversy adds to ongoing discussions about transparency in royal business dealings and the use of titles in official documentation. Prince Andrew’s office has been approached for comment on the allegations.
