Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged taxpayers for "massage services" and could be "rude" and "generally offensive" during overseas visits as a UK trade envoy, retired civil servants have claimed. Andrew held the role of the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011.

It was unpaid, though Andrew was supported by taxpayer funding and civil servants for his trips abroad. Two ex-civil servants have now spoken out about their concerns over Andrew's behaviour and spending during this period. One, who worked in the UK's trade department in the early 2000s, alleged Andrew requested that the cost of "massage services" be covered, following a trip to the Middle East. The civil servant refused to pay but senior staff overruled him, he claimed.

A former senior Whitehall official, who also asked to remain anonymous, reportedly oversaw finances in this area and claimed he had seen similar expenses for the royal's trips.

The BBC noted it has not seen proof to substantiate the claim about Andrew making the expense claim, which is alleged to have occurred more than two decades ago. There is nothing unlawful suggested in their claims about the former prince's conduct.

Both whistleblowers initially contacted Andrew's long-time critic and unofficial biographer, Andrew Lownie, with one saying he came forward after hearing the author claim that concerns hadn't been raised within government. He says they had been, but were ignored.

They then agreed to speak to the BBC. The ex-Whitehall official said he was shocked by what he regarded as the then-prince's lavish spending during his time in the role. He claimed there was an excessive number of flights, as well as unreasonable numbers of hotel rooms and charges for the royal's entourage.

One of the sources alleged that while Andrew could be entertaining and "good company" on trips, he had seen him "shouting, being rude and generally offensive" on other occasions.

Express.co.uk has reached out to Andrew's representatives for comment.

The claims come amid the fallout from the US Department of Justice's release of millions of files related to investigations into the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with emails appearing to show a close friendship between Andrew and the disgraced financier.

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Public outrage over Andrew's links to Epstein saw him stripped of his royal title late last year. The former Duke of York now faces accusations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while acting as the UK's trade envoy.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office last week, before being released under investigation.

Andrew has always rejected any wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein and has also denied any personal gain during his time as envoy.

The Department for Business and Trade was approached by Express.co.uk for comment, and pointed to remarks made in the House of Commons today by the trade minister Chris Bryant.

Mr Bryant said ministers will "ensure that every single part of Government co-operates entirely with Thames Valley police and with any other police forces, in respect of whatever they may be investigating".

He told MPs that there is "unanimous agreement across this House that those who may be guilty of misconduct in public office should face the full force of the law".

"That applies to everyone, regardless of who they are or how they were appointed. This was a point made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister prior to the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest.

"One of the core principles of our constitutional system is the rule of law. That means that everyone is equal under the law and nobody is above the law."

Mr Bryant said Andrew's role was "not a trade envoy position as we would understand it today, his role was a separate one entitled UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment".

"Trade envoys today are appointed by ministers with a formalised set of rules of conduct, they're unpaid, they work with my department on attracting and retaining inward investment while supporting UK firms to take full advantage of new trade opportunities."