Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has taken steps to close his last remaining business ventures, including a Dragons' Den-style startup competition that once operated from royal palaces.
Business Dissolution Applications Filed
The former prince has applied to dissolve Pitch@Palace Global, the international arm of his entrepreneurial initiative that previously hosted events at St James's Palace. According to documents filed with Companies House on Tuesday, the application was signed by the company's sole director Arthur Lancaster.
Pitch@Palace launched in 2014, creating a platform where entrepreneurs could present their ideas to potential investors in prestigious locations. The venture suspended operations in 2019 following Mountbatten Windsor's controversial BBC Newsnight interview concerning his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
While the UK division was wound up in 2021, the global operation remained active until now. Recent accounts reveal the business held just £10,965 at the end of March, a significant decrease from £220,990 the previous year.
Security Concerns and Additional Closures
The Chinese branch of Pitch@Palace faced separate controversies when its founder, Yang Tengbo, was accused of espionage last year. The UK's special immigration appeals commission upheld a 2023 ban preventing Tengbo from entering the country, maintaining the restriction after the businessman attempted to challenge the decision.
Another company connected to Mountbatten Windsor, Innovate Global Ltd, has also begun dissolution proceedings according to Companies House records. This marks the latest development in the systematic unwinding of the former royal's commercial interests.
Royal Title Removal and Property Changes
Last month, King Charles formally stripped his younger brother of his royal titles and honours following sustained pressure over the Epstein association and allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, which Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied.
The removal process affected multiple titles including Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and the HRH style. The honours impacted were Andrew's Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
The 64-year-old will relocate next year to a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the move being privately funded by the king. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also vacate their 30-room Windsor mansion and arrange separate living accommodations.
Both Mountbatten Windsor and Lancaster were contacted for comment regarding the business closures.
