Prince Andrew gifted £1.5million by a controversial businessman to pay off a loan

PRINCE Andrew was gifted £1.5million by a controversial businessman to pay off a loan he had taken out from a private bank.

He was given the cash by property boss and financier David “Spotty” Rowland, whose clients have included dictators and despots.

Eleven days earlier, in 2017, Andrew had borrowed the same amount from Banque Havilland — which is controlled by multi-millionaire and former Tory Party treasurer Mr Rowland’s family, .

Banque Havilland denies any wrongdoing.

The payment sheds some light on the enduring mystery of Andrew’s wealth.

His only known income is a £20,000 Royal Navy pension and an annual £250,000 handout from the Queen, yet he has a millionaire’s lifestyle.

Andrew was sacked from royal duties by his mum the Queen in 2019 over his friendship with millionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The money Andrew “borrowed” from Banque Havilland was said to have been for “general working capital and living expenses”.

Mr Rowland has been described as a financial advisor to the royal.

In 2005, Prince Andrew unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Mr Rowland smoking a cigar at his palatial home in Guernsey.

🔵 Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest updates

And in 2018, the Rowlands had front-row seats at Princess Eugenie’s wedding at Windsor Castle.

The businessman has also met the Queen and Prince Charles during a trip to Balmoral.

In return, Andrew reportedly used his pal's luxury private jet at least five times while on official royal business.

Ex-Home Office minister Norman Baker has now called for a full investigation.

He said: “The Rowlands are hard-headed businessmen.

"They won’t have given Andrew that money out of the goodness of their hearts — they will want something in return.

“Significant questions need to be asked about Prince Andrew’s business dealings and his association with some characters. Parliament should investigate this matter with some urgency.”

UNDER FIRE

He added Andrew, who infamously told the BBC he “didn’t sweat” to deflect claims of abuse, “may find his sweat glands working overtime if the financial authorities start looking into his affairs”.

Last night, Mr Rowland did respond to requests for comment. Banque Havilland said it “categorically denies” any suggestion of wrongdoing.

A spokesman for Andrew said: “The Duke of York is entitled to a degree of privacy in conducting his entirely legitimate personal financial affairs, on which all appropriate accounting measures are undertaken and all taxes duly paid.”

Andrew has continued to come under fire amid allegations he abused 17-year-old sex trafficking victim Virginia Roberts.

It emerged this week he might be named in his former pal Ghislaine Maxwell’s upcoming trial.

Andrew vehemently denies all accusations.