Prince Andrew has been reported to police over allegations of using a “fake name” to register a company.
The 64-year-old was accused by anti-monarchy campaign group Republic of using the pseudonym of “Andrew Inverness” when he set up business Naples Gold Limited with sports retail tycoon Johan Eliasch in 2002.
Andrew is the subject of a police complaint after Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic, submitted one to Scotland Yard accusing the prince of using false information in documents filed to Companies House. The accusation is being reviewed by the Metropolitan Police before any further action is taken.
Mr Smith said: “The apparent filing of false information with Companies House may seem trivial, but the UK faces serious issues of fraud committed in this way. While no such fraud is alleged here surely Andrew must be held to the highest standards.
Prince Andrew faces fresh blow as firm managing his investments shuts down
“As it is an offence under the Companies Act to file false information there must surely be a public interest in pursuing the matter when it’s such a high profile figure allegedly doing it.
“We expect the police to pursue this matter without fear or favour, something they seem to struggle with when it comes to the royals.”
A Met spokesman told The Telegraph: “On Monday, Jan 6, the Met received a report relating to a Companies House filing. This report will now be assessed to determine whether any further action is required. There is no investigation at this early stage.”
The Duke of York has been contacted for comment.
On Sunday it emerged the firm managing Andrew’s private investments has been shut down. He reportedly had “significant control” over Urramoor Limited – which was set-up in 2013 – but the company has now applied to be struck off just a year after being rescued by a mystery donor.