PRINCE Andrew has been labelled an “absolute fool” after reportedly becoming embroiled in another £1.6million debt battle.
The Duke of York is said to owe the “business debt” to a Swiss couple who have reportedly frozen the sale of his £17million Verbier ski chalet until he pays out.
Isabelle de Rouvre, who sold Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, the chalet in 2014 before later suing them over a £6.7million debt, said she pitied the Swiss pair involved.
She also told The Telegraph she was “fed up with the whole thing,” adding: “He is an absolute fool and I just cannot understand how he goes about his life.
“Really it is a tragedy and so bad for the Queen. I don’t know how she manages with them.”
Andrew is said to be disputing the amount he owes the Swiss couple, although he does not deny the unpaid debt.
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A source close to the Duke told The Telegraph: “Talks are under way to resolve the matter.
“It in no way prevents the sale of the chalet, which is proceeding.”
When he first bought the chalet, Andrew agreed to pay socialite pal Isabelle for the house in instalments, but Ms de Rouvre claims the Yorks were unable to meet a deadline for repayment.
They were sued for £6.6 million including interest in 2020 but the matter was resolved as the Duke paid his debt last year, it was reported in January.
Isabelle told The Telegraph: “I am lucky that a deal was made and it is the end of the matter for me. I am fed up with the whole thing.”
Removal vans arrived earlier this week to clear out the controversial £17m Swiss property.
Photos showed a large distinctive blue van from London-based firm Abels was outside the property in Verbier this week, MailOnline reports.
And locals said boxes have been packed up and taken from inside into the vehicle as the property appears to being “cleared”.
Chalet Helora – which has an indoor pool and sauna – had been on the market for 22million Swiss Francs (£17.6m).
Andrew is believed to have flogged it to help settle his multi million pound settlement with sex accuser Virginia Giuffre.
She alleged she was trafficked to have sex with him when she was just 17 by notorious paedos Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
And despite bullishly vowing to fight his case in court, Andrew agreed to quietly settle the lawsuit In February.
Questions loomed over how he was going to pay for the settlement – which was estimated at up to £12million.
Andrew is understood to have have taken a loan from his older brother Prince Charles to cover most of the expenses.
And its is believed much of the cash to pay the Prince of Wales back will come from the sale of the Duke of York’s holiday home.
“It’s the talk of the place – everyone knew it had been sold and now the removal van has turned up,” a local resident said.
“We used to see the Duke and his wife here all the time but in recent years it’s been Sarah with the children – I know they both loved the place and had many wonderful years here.
“Sarah was here at New Year with her family for the last time and they watched the firework display from the balcony – I really think it was with a heavy heart they sold it as Sarah used to ski here all the time when she was younger.”
Pictures from inside the lodge show it has a pool and lavish living areas – once being hailed as one of the “best properties in Verbier“.
Andrew is known for his expensive tastes, often living life large and raising questions about his finances.
The lodge was put up for sale last year by the Duke.
It was reported in January that a buyer had been found for the seven bedroom Chalet.
The Celeb Report Online has approached the Duke of York’s representatives for comment.
