In a surprising twist that intertwines the worlds of cryptocurrency and royal privilege, a recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered that Prince Andrew facilitated a private tour of Buckingham Palace for two American businessmen linked to a failed cryptocurrency venture. This deal, which ultimately promised his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson up to £1.4 million, raises eyebrows regarding the ethical boundaries of royal engagements and the financial ties they might create.
This intriguing development not only casts a shadow on Prince Andrew’s public image but also sheds light on the intersection of cryptocurrency ambitions and royal connections. The meeting, held in June 2019 while Queen Elizabeth II was in residence, questions whether royal privileges were misappropriated for private financial gain. William May, a royal historian, describes this as a significant misstep: “When the lines between royalty and private business become blurred, trust in the royal family can erode rapidly.”
The businessmen in question, Jay Bloom and Michael Evers, co-founders of Arizona-based Pegasus Group Holdings, were escorted through the gates of the palace in the Duke of York’s car before attending Andrew’s Pitch@Palace initiative. This event, designed to support innovative startups, took on a more controversial tone given the context of their visit. Included in their evening plans was dinner alongside Sarah Ferguson, who served as a “brand ambassador” for Pegasus and later earned over £200,000 for her involvement. She was also entitled to a staggering £1.2 million bonus and stock options in the firm, all while presiding over a contractual agreement that provided first-class travel and luxury accommodations, yet absolved her from any technical accountability regarding the company’s mining operations.
The ambitious venture aimed at establishing a solar-powered Bitcoin mining operation in Arizona ultimately fell flat, leaving investors reeling. Embroiled in legal battles, U.S. investors sought compensation and were awarded $4.1 million in arbitration after alleging that the company had mismanaged funds. Shockingly, court documents revealed that out of 16,000 planned generators, a mere 615 were purchased, resulting in production worth only £25,000 in Bitcoin.
The implications of these revelations extend beyond the bounds of one failed business project. They reignite concerns regarding the financial intertwining of Andrew and Ferguson, and more critically, the ramifications of potentially exploiting royal status for dubious agreements. Following these troubling findings, Buckingham Palace confirmed its intention to revoke Andrew’s remaining titles and his residence in Windsor. This comes amidst ongoing scrutiny linked to his prior associations, including controversial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew stripped of all titles. King Charles formally removes Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew. Done with immediate effect. He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Also, he’s kicked out of Lodge too. pic.twitter.com/JA3XpBLzxE— Dina Shakti 🇬🇧 🇱🇰 (@Dina_Shakti) October 30, 2025
Adding to the financial chaos in the UK is the unfolding situation within cryptocurrency regulations. Recently, a fierce price war erupted among UK crypto exchange-traded note (ETN) issuers following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision to lift a four-year ban on retail access. Effective October 8, this landmark shift allows everyday investors to acquire ETNs linked to Bitcoin and Ethereum through tax-advantaged accounts like ISAs. This policy change instigated immediate responses, compelling major players like Bitwise and 21Shares to cut their management fees significantly, paving the way for broader retail participation in the evolving cryptocurrency market.
The trading volumes on the London Stock Exchange tell a compelling story: Bitcoin ETN turnover surged from a modest $2.1 million to an impressive $7.2 million in the wake of these regulatory changes. It’s a dynamic environment that suggests a rapidly evolving interest in digital assets across traditional investment landscapes.
As we consider the future, it appears that the relationship between royal legacies and financial endeavors will continue to provoke discussion, particularly as Andrew’s downfall unfolds. The dual narratives of the royal family’s evolving role and the burgeoning cryptocurrency market are set to reshape perceptions in both economics and society. How these themes will intertwine remains to be seen. For now, one thing is clear: the unique worlds of royalty and cryptocurrency are becoming increasingly entwined, and the consequences of past actions remain fraught with implications for the future.
Readers curious about the latest developments in cryptocurrency regulations and royal affairs are encouraged to stay informed, as these stories continue to unfold and impact the landscape of finance in unexpected ways. For more insights on cryptocurrency and market trends, visit [CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com) or [CoinTelegraph](https://cointelegraph.com).