Britain’s Prince Andrew says the £500,000 of tax payers’ money he spends on travelling the world is ‘cheap at the price’.
The 47-year-old - nicknamed Air Miles Andy for his frequent flying - is the British ambassador for trade and insists his role requires him to travel to meet foreign ministers and captains of industry.
Prince Andrew told Britain’s Independent on Sunday newspaper: ‘If you’re doing what I’m doing, the only way to increase a country’s awareness of what the UK can provide is to go and visit and maintain that relationship. ‘You can do that over the telephone, and I do. But there’s no substitute for getting to know these people face to face. ‘In terms of the return on investment to the UK, bearing in mind I am part of a number of people, I would suggest that £500,000 is cheap at the price.’ The prince also claimed it was very difficult for him to show the benefits of his work as his visits simply open doors for British businesses to do deals with foreign companies.
He said: ‘There’s a media view that you have to have some visible output.
‘The art of being a member of the royal family is almost the opposite, which is to have an invisible output.’ Andrew has been accused of using his travels as an excuse to visit the world’s best golf courses.
Supporters of the prince have defended him, saying that last year he made almost 300 trips, half in Britain and half overseas, meaning he was too busy to enjoy much golf. But on his most recent business excursion to Brazil, Andrew took his golf clubs just in case - and did manage to visit the greens during the five-day trip. The prince took up the role of special representative for UK Trade and Investment in 2001 after quitting as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot.
As a member of the royal family his high standing makes it easier for him to get meetings with foreign ministers and officials, particularly in the Middle East.
Since he took up the job, Andrew has been praised for securing several successes for British business.
© bangshowbiz.biz
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