Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been featured in the press a lot these past few days, mainly due to his political opinions.  An interview from the Telegraph shows a well-spoken, level-headed man who knows what he’s talking about. A good read.

On Airmiles, the Military and his Family

On his moniker “Airmiles Andie”, using helicopters during royal engagements… “It’s not the quickest way — it’s the most cost-effective and sensible way to maximise the use of the time I have available.”

On his moniker “Randy Andy”… “That was because I was caught in the girls’ house at Gordonstoun in the first three days I was there. The press want something that rhymes.”

On reporting to the Queen and Prince Charles… “We don’t work in silos you know. We may not see each other very often but we do talk.”

On losing carrying out more royal engagements than Princess Anne this year… “It is not a competition”

If Fergie is having financial troubles… “Not if you go into the full facts. There are a lot of stories and counter stories. Quite a lot of it scurrilous.”

On the possibility of remarrying… “Do we have to be married? Well let’s put it another way. I can neither confirm nor deny the possibility.”

Article: Telegraph


Urges Prime Minister to Keep Tax Loophole

Prince Andrew was criticized for meddling in politics after urging the British Government to preserve a current loophole that allows the wealthiest residents to avoid paying millions in tax every year.  Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to axe rules allowing wealthy ‘non-domiciled’ foreigners living in Britain to escape UK tax on foreign earnings they keep abroad.

The Duke of York’s comments are particularly controversial because of his friendship with affluent tycoons who could be hit hard by the said rule change.

Article: Daily Mail


Defends Bank Bonuses

The Duke of York defended banker’s bonuses, calling them a “minute” issue.

“I don’t want to demonise the banking and financial sector. Bonuses, in the scheme of things, are minute,” prince Andrew told the Daily Telegraph. “They are easy to target. A number will have abused their privilege of a bonus, so get rid of the excesses, but don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Article: The Guardian

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