During a business trip to Hong Kong in 2010 as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, Andrew, previously known as the Duke of York and now bearing the surname Mountbatten Windsor, allegedly had Asian sex workers brought to his hotel, as per claims by his biographer Andrew Lownie. Lownie mentioned that Andrew occupied the top floor of a hotel in Hong Kong during the trip and arranged for the presence of several Asian prostitutes.
While prostitution is legal in Hong Kong, organized prostitution activities are prohibited by law. Various laws in the region prohibit maintaining a vice establishment, procuring individuals for prostitution, living off the earnings of prostitution, and public solicitation.
Following engagements at the Shanghai World Expo in Beijing, Andrew traveled to Hong Kong in October 2010 for a series of business-related activities. His itinerary included visits to prominent institutions such as China Merchants Bank, attendance at a dinner hosted by Jardine Matheson, meetings with key business figures, and various business discussions at renowned hotels in the region.
Andrew’s overseas trips as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, including visits to countries like China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, have raised questions about the funding sources for such visits. While some expenses were covered by the UK Trade and Investment department, costs for private travel were reportedly borne by the UK taxpayers.
Investigations by financial expert David McClure revealed that Andrew’s flights and accommodation costs during his tenure as the Special Representative amounted to approximately £4 million. Additionally, reports of Andrew’s alleged involvement with prostitutes have circulated over the years, with claims of him having undisclosed women visit Buckingham Palace regularly, raising concerns about security implications.
Recent revelations also highlighted Andrew’s connections to China, including his association with an alleged Chinese spy named Yang Tengbo. The High Court heard that Tengbo had been involved in activities aiming to influence high-profile individuals, leading to his ban from the UK. Andrew’s office clarified that they had severed ties with Tengbo following official advice and that no sensitive information had been discussed between them.