In a recent podcast, royal historian Andrew Lownie has made some explosive claims regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct during a taxpayer-funded trip to Thailand.
According to Lownie, the former prince facilitated the accommodation of 40 sex workers at a five-star hotel within a mere four days, leveraging his position as Trade Envoy for self-indulgence.
Lownie, known for his unauthorized biography titled Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, discussed these serious allegations on the Daily Mail’s podcast, Deep Dive: The Fall of the House of York.
His insights paint a troubling picture of how Andrew exploited his royal connections for personal gain.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding Andrew’s appointment in 2001, Lownie revealed that Charles, now King, had voiced his concerns about his brother taking on the Trade Envoy role.
Charles predicted that Andrew would prioritize personal pursuits over the responsibilities associated with the position, fearing he would simply engage in leisure activities like chasing women and playing golf.
Despite these warnings, Lownie claims that then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson intervened, ultimately allowing Andrew to take the position.
The historian portrays this decision as a significant error in judgment, especially considering Andrew’s subsequent travels, which he alleges were often disguised as official business trips but primarily served as lavish vacations.
One particular trip to Thailand stands out in Lownie’s account.
During this visit, which coincided with the birthday festivities of the Thai king, Andrew allegedly had 40 prostitutes brought to his luxurious accommodations.
Lownie emphasizes that this was not just conjecture; he asserts that multiple credible sources, including a Reuters journalist and an individual connected to the Thai royal family, have confirmed the event.
In light of these recent revelations, Buckingham Palace has begun the process to strip Andrew of his royal titles.
Lownie’s concerns extend beyond Andrew’s sexual escapades—he argues that there was significant misuse of the Trade Envoy position for personal business advantages.
He insists that Andrew was actively promoting his own ventures and those of associates, notably a businessman named David Rowlands, throughout his tenure.
Lownie calls attention to the lack of transparency regarding Andrew’s actions as Trade Envoy, urging that records from this period be made accessible to the public.
Currently, files related to Andrew’s activities between 2001 and 2011 remain sealed, which Lownie believes perpetuates a concerning “conspiracy of silence” surrounding his conduct.
He expressed strong views on how these issues reflect not just on Andrew but on the entire royal family.
Lownie suggested that if the monarchy truly desires to maintain its integrity, it must confront these scandals head-on.
He asserts that allowing Andrew to evade accountability would undermine the institution’s moral standing.
During his conversation with podcast host Sarah Vine, he stated that the royal family could gain significant respect if they were to distance themselves from Andrew’s misdeeds.
If legal actions arise, Lownie advocates for full accountability, contemplating the possibility of prison time to illustrate that no one is above the law, even among royals.
In a passionate plea for reform, Lownie expressed that more openness from the royal family is necessary.
He believes that the ongoing secrecy contributes to a festering problem within the institution and that addressing these scandals is crucial for the monarchy’s future.
As the discussion unfolds, Lownie’s historical perspective provides a harsh critique of Andrew’s actions and their potential repercussions on the royal reputation.
For those interested in delving deeply into this scandal and Andrew’s tumultuous relationship with other controversial figures, including financier Jeffrey Epstein, the full interview is available on streaming platforms under the podcast title mentioned earlier.