Historian Reveals: Prince Andrew Used Taxpayer Money to Hire Prostitutes in Thailand

Recent revelations have emerged about Prince Andrew’s alleged misuse of taxpayer funds during an official visit to Thailand. Historian Andrew Lownie disclosed that Andrew reportedly facilitated the hiring of 40 prostitutes while staying at a luxurious five-star hotel over four days. This trip was funded by the British taxpayer and marked a significant point in Andrew’s controversial history as the UK’s Trade Envoy.

Background of the Trip

Andrew traveled to Thailand to participate in the celebrations for the King’s birthday. During this visit, he opted for accommodations in a five-star hotel instead of the embassy, a choice he frequently made for official trips.

Allegations of Misconduct

Lownie suggested that British diplomats enabled Andrew’s actions, allowing the questionable events to unfold unnoticed. He characterized Andrew as having “no moral boundaries,” turning official duties into personal escapades.

• Timeframe: 2001, during Andrew’s visit for the King’s birthday.
• Location: Five-star hotel in Thailand.
• Alleged number of prostitutes: 40 within four days.

Warnings Ignored

Amidst these claims, Lownie mentioned that Prince Charles had expressed concerns regarding Andrew’s suitability for the role of Trade Envoy back in 2001. Charles worried that Andrew would prioritize personal leisure over his official responsibilities. Despite these concerns, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and his ally Peter Mandelson proceeded with the appointment.

During this period, Andrew was described as being in a midlife crisis, a factor contributing to his controversial behavior. Lownie criticized Andrew for using taxpayer-funded travel to pursue personal interests and for promoting business ventures that benefited himself and his associate, David Rowlands.

Consequences for Prince Andrew

The repercussions of Andrew’s actions have been severe. In January 2022, he lost his military titles and royal patronages after a civil sexual assault lawsuit was filed against him by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual misconduct when she was a minor, allegations he has consistently denied.

In a further escalation of the situation, King Charles III decided to strip Andrew of all remaining royal titles and honors. This decision followed a renewed public outcry triggered by disclosures in Giuffre’s memoir, which referenced Andrew’s connections with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.