Princess Eugenie was filmed networking in Tokyo amid reports of Prince Andrew’s lucrative business deal.
The Duke of York has struck a lucrative commercial partnership with a Dutch company to sell his business contacts and networks made before his fall from grace, according to recent claims in the Sun.
The Duke’s new venture, Innovate Global, is partnering with Startupbootcamp (SBC), a Dutch-based conglomerate that funds start-up businesses worldwide.
The arrangement involves selling the Duke’s former Pitch@Palace network “on a territory by territory basis” to SBC, which specialises in funding start-up businesses around the world.
Princess Eugenie spotted networking in Tokyo amid Prince Andrew’s lucrative deal
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Princess Eugenie played a key role in the venture, appearing at a major business event in Tokyo last November, according to the Telegraph.
The 34-year-old mother of two was filmed at The Ritz-Carlton hotel, wearing a black sleeveless dress as she applauded politely during a presentation.
Around 1,000 Japanese businessmen attended the event, eagerly capturing photos of Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter.
The Princess was there to greet representatives from various companies, including a medical diagnostic firm, as part of the business arrangement orchestrated by her father.
She had reportedly already been in Japan on a work trip for Hauser & Wirth, the international art gallery where she has worked since 2015.
The Duke was introduced to SBC’s chief executive Kauan von Novack through a Dubai-based businessman with connections to both parties.
Kauan von Novack expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We see immense value in the network built up by Pitch@Palace as we pursue our strategic ambition to empower 100,000 entrepreneurs over the next 10 years.”
A Buckingham Palace source clarified the institution’s position, stating: “Buckingham Palace officials have neither reviewed nor approved the details of any financial arrangements between the Duke or his advisers and any third party.”
A source close to the arrangement claimed: “These contacts will make the Prince a lot of money and the deal will help him to stay in his home.”
Palace officials sought reassurances that the commercial partnership would not damage the wider Royal Family’s reputation.
A Palace source confirmed they were taking a “passive rather than an active role” in the Duke’s financial arrangements.
SBC agreed not to use Buckingham Palace or Prince Andrew’s connections in any promotional material.
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This restriction did not prevent Princess Eugenie from attending the Tokyo event in her private capacity, which she did at her father’s request, according to the Telegraph.
The three-day “Future World” conference, jointly hosted by Innovate Global and SBC, brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs with potential investors.
GB News has contacted the Duke of York’s office for comment.
The Princess of York does not have an official spokesman as she is not a working royal.
