Andrew Facing Claims of Sharing Treasury Document with Banking Contact
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is once again under scrutiny, as new allegations emerge regarding the sharing of an official Treasury document. Reports indicate that he provided a Treasury briefing to a personal business associate.
– Background on the Claims:
– In 2010, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, Andrew allegedly requested information from Treasury officials concerning banking issues in Iceland.
– This briefing was reportedly shared with Jonathan Rowland, a business associate whose father, David Rowland, took over parts of a distressed Icelandic bank.
– Implications of Misuse:
– The allegations intensify concerns about Andrew’s use of his public position to relay official information to private contacts.
– The Cabinet Office has not disputed the authenticity of the emails in question but remains tight-lipped on the matter.
– The Recent Developments:
– Jonathan Rowland expressed surprise at his mention in the emails, stating he was unaware of their context and that they pertain to older legal proceedings.
– The situation is further complicated by an ongoing assessment by Thames Valley Police to determine if an investigation into potential misconduct in public office is warranted.
– Link to Jeffrey Epstein:
– Previous emails revealed connections between Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, where official documents, including trade trip reports and investment briefings, were forwarded to Epstein and described as confidential.
– This resurfacing of information places added pressure on Andrew, given the already sensitive nature of his affiliations.
– Details Surrounding the Treasury Request:
– The Treasury information requested by Andrew, via an adviser, was essentially an update note regarding UK-Iceland relations concerning bank deposit issues.
– This request occurred during a precarious financial period for Iceland, following the 2008 financial crisis, leading to nationalization of several failing banks.
– At that time, disputes arose about Iceland’s obligation to compensate UK depositors affected by bank failures.
– Forwarding the Briefing:
– Shortly after receiving the Treasury briefing, Andrew forwarded it to Jonathan Rowland, seeking insights on how to proceed.
– His message implied that he valued Rowland’s perspective, stating, “Interested in your opinion? A.”
– Connections with David Rowland:
– David Rowland took charge of the Luxembourg branch of Kaupthing, which later became Banque Havilland.
– Jonathan, also involved with Banque Havilland, left his role as CEO in 2013.
– Concerns About Funding and Relationships:
– The Epstein files highlight Andrew’s close ties with David Rowland, describing him as a trusted money man.
– Andrew appeared to promote Rowland’s banking ventures to Epstein, hinting at a shared interest in high-net-worth individuals for Banque Havilland.
– Additional Information on Financing:
– Emails indicate potential loans made to Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, by Banque Havilland during her financial struggles.
– The bank has faced its own regulatory issues, leading to the loss of its banking license in 2024, which it is now appealing.
In conclusion, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing increasing allegations of impropriety linked to his sharing of Treasury documents with a personal contact. These developments raise critical questions about his conduct as a public figure and the potential ramifications of his business relationships. The situation remains complex, and as investigations unfold, further clarifications will be essential for understanding the full scope of these claims.