Buckingham Palace was involved in meeting about Prince Andrew’s private funding, Sky News learns

Buckingham Palace recently found itself at the center of discussions about the future of Prince Andrew’s tech initiative, Pitch@Palace Global, as questions swirl around the Duke of York’s financial dealings and potential sources of funding. According to reports from Sky News, a meeting took place last summer involving representatives from Startupbootcamp, a Dutch company that invests in startups worldwide. This meeting was not just about exploring business opportunities but also about ensuring that any future involvement with Prince Andrew’s project would not tarnish the reputation of the wider royal family. While the King’s advisors did not directly negotiate any deals, their involvement signals a cautious approach to managing the risks associated with Prince Andrew’s endeavors.

Pitch@Palace Global was originally conceived in 2014 as a “Dragons’ Den-style” initiative to connect entrepreneurs with investors. It was touted as one of Prince Andrew’s charitable ventures, aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups. However, the project took on a more private dimension in 2017 with the establishment of Pitch@Palace Global as a private company. The initiative gained some momentum over the years, but its fortunes took a significant hit in 2019 when Prince Andrew faced backlash over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, leading to his withdrawal from public life. Despite this setback, documents recently uncovered in a court case involving an alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo, reveal that Prince Andrew and his team have been determined to keep the project alive as a potential source of funding.

The documents, which include communications from August 2021 and May 2024, paint a picture of Prince Andrew’s financial situation and his hopes for reviving Pitch@Palace Global. One document explicitly states that the Duke was in need of money and viewed his connections with China through the project as a possible solution. By May 2024, the plan had evolved to rebrand the initiative as “Innovate Global,” signaling an effort to distance it from past controversies while maintaining its core mission. These revelations suggest that Prince Andrew has been exploring ways to leverage his international connections, particularly in China, to secure funding and keep his project afloat.

The palace has historically maintained a stance of distance from Prince Andrew’s financial affairs, emphasizing that his money matters are private since he is no longer a working member of the royal family. However, the recent revelations indicate that the palace has not been entirely disconnected from his activities. The meeting with Startupbootcamp last summer, for instance, shows that there has been some level of involvement, at least insofar as monitoring the potential risks to the monarchy’s reputation. This subtle but significant distinction reflects the delicate balance the royal family must strike between supporting a member in need and protecting the institution from public scrutiny.

As the saga unfolds, there are signs that Prince Andrew’s family is being drawn into the mix. Princess Eugenie, his youngest daughter, reportedly attended an event in Tokyo last year hosted by Innovate Global and Startupbootcamp. This has raised eyebrows, as it suggests that the next generation of royals may be indirectly linked to the Duke’s financial ventures. The event serves as a reminder that Prince Andrew’s private life and business dealings continue to attract attention, even as he steps back from public duties.

Looking ahead, the future of Pitch@Palace Global, now rebranded as Innovate Global, remains uncertain. While the initiative has the potential to support promising startups and foster international collaboration, its association with Prince Andrew and the ongoing scrutiny of his financial ties Pose significant challenges. The royal family will likely continue to walk a fine line between allowing the Duke to pursue his private interests and safeguarding the monarchy’s reputation. For now, the public will remain keenly interested in how this situation develops, particularly as it raises broader questions about the intersection of personal ambition, financial necessity, and royal responsibility.