Prince Andrew faces backlash over financial gains from Pitch@Palace

In early February 2023, new developments emerged regarding Prince Andrew's Pitch@Palace project, which is under scrutiny for potential misuse and questionable financial dealings. Reports indicated that documents related to Prince Andrew's former senior adviser, Dominic Hampshire, and an alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo, were set to be released, raising concerns about the implications for national security and the royal family. It surfaced that Hampshire had been in contact with intelligence services concerning Yang back in 2022, resulting in Yang being banned from entering the UK due to concerns that his association with an important royal made Prince Andrew vulnerable. Following these revelations, media organizations sought the release of documents that could provide insight into any deals Hampshire may have pursued on behalf of Andrew. Furthermore, Sky News uncovered details about a meeting last summer between palace officials and tech funding company StartupBootcamp to discuss collaboration with Prince Andrew's project. Although palace officials did not engage in the finer points of the deal, they sought assurances that it would not reflect negatively on the monarchy. Reports reveal discussions around Pitch@Palace valuing it at approximately £750,000, though it appears negotiations have since stalled. Historical records indicate that as of August 2021, Prince Andrew viewed potential partnerships as a source of funding. Andrew's attempt to leverage Pitch@Palace for financial gain has alarmed various stakeholders, including tech entrepreneurs who participated, believing they were engaging in an official royal initiative rather than contributing to Andrew's profits. Concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of how Andrew utilized data and relationships gained during his time as a royal, with critics asserting that participants did not intend to enrich him through their involvement in the initiative. The implications of Andrew's actions are far-reaching, not only impacting his personal reputation but also casting doubt on the integrity of royal initiatives. As more information becomes available, it is likely to provoke a broader public discussion about the relationship between the royal family and business, particularly concerning transparency and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of authority.