LONDON, Feb. 3 British taxpayers are covering a private jet bill of almost $200,000 for Prince Andrew's planned business trip to the United States.
The prince is scheduled to spend 11 days in the United States, and has decided to rent a 12-seat private plane to use during the trip, The Mail on Sunday reported.
Andrew is set to share the private plane with Trade and Investment Minister Lord Jones of Birmingham on the way to the United States, but after that the prince will have the plane all to himself.
The Duke of York said the private travel accommodations are necessary for his business visit, but Liberal Democrat Transport spokesman Norman Baker found fault with the explanation.
"It's just another example of the Duke of York spending taxpayer's money as if there were no tomorrow," Baker told the Mail. "It should be a matter for the government to decide how Prince Andrew gets around, not for Andrew to write his own checks."
Copyright 2008 by UPI
