This is Prince Andrew’s first trip outside the UK since 2019.
Prince Andrew has gone to Bahrain for a “secret visit” on a Swiss billionaire’s private jet, according to a report in the British Subway. The identity of the business magnate has not been disclosed. The disgraced duke’s visit to the Gulf state is seen as an attempt to establish himself as the UK’s trade representative, the outlet said. Andrew was received as a guest of honor by “friends” in the Bahrain royal family who have extended his stay at a five-star hotel, the Subway report said.
The 62-year-old has been banned from royal life over allegations that he had sex with a victim of American child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
This is his first trip outside the UK since 2019, when Epstein died. There is no public record of the visit, as Andrew is no longer a working royal, Subway said in his report.
New Zealand Heraldwhich also included a report on the visit, said the “disgraced duke” believes he can persuade Saudi Arabia to increase oil production by presenting himself as a go-between.
The Prince was the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. He had spoken of his ambition to return to the role when speaking to Private Eye magazine in August.
However, the Herald said in his report that he looks to the Middle East as a safe haven and a place for a fresh start.
Prince Andrew made another public appearance for Queen Elizabeth’s wake in September, having remained largely hidden since allegations, which he denies. He, along with other grieving senior royals, has attended events to honor the Queen, and watched over her coffin.
Andrew, who flew Royal Navy helicopters in the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina, was an honorary colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The soldiers are part of the Household Division who guard Buckingham Palace in their trademark bearskin hats and red tunics.
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