Prince Andrew is under fresh scrutiny as police assess claims he used false information when creating a company in 2002. An anti-monarchy group submitted a complaint alleging he employed a fabricated name in official filings, raising questions about legal standards for prominent public figures.
Police Investigate Allegations of False Name in Prince Andrew's Business Filing
Allegations that Prince Andrew registered a corporation under a "false name" have been brought to the attention of the police.
In 2002, the 64-year-old individual was accused by the anti-monarchy movement group Republic of adopting the pseudonym "Andrew Inverness" when he established the corporation Naples Gold Limited with the sports retail billionaire Johan Eliasch.
After Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic, filed a complaint with Scotland Yard accusing the prince of using fraudulent information in documents that were submitted to Companies House, Andrew is now the subject of a complaint filed with the police. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently conducting an investigation on the allegation before taking any further action, AOL reports.
Republic Highlights Legal Implications of False Business Filings
According to Smith, "The apparent filing of false information with Companies House may seem trivial, but the UK faces serious issues of fraud committed in this way. While no such fraud is alleged here surely Andrew must be held to the highest standards."
In light of the fact that it is a violation of the Companies Act to submit false information, he goes on to say that there must be a public interest in pursuing the case when it is a prominent figure who is allegedly responsible for it.
Activists Demand Equal Treatment for Royals in Legal Matters
Furthermore, Smith stated that he anticipates the police to follow this subject without fear or favor, which is something that they appear to struggle with when it comes to the royal family.
Based on a statement made by a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department to The Telegraph, "On Monday, Jan 6, the Met received a report relating to a Companies House filing. This report will now be assessed to determine whether any further action is required. There is no investigation at this early stage."
Investment Firm Linked to Prince Andrew Faces Permanent Closure
An attempt has been made to obtain a comment from the Duke of York.
Per The Mirror, it was revealed on Sunday that the company that was managing Andrew's private investments had been terminated permanently.
There are reports that he exercised "substantial control" over Urramoor Limited, which was established in 2013. However, the business has now submitted an application to be struck off, which comes just one year after it was saved by an unknown donor.
