Duchess of York defends ex hubby Prince Andrew over expensive India trip

London, May 8 (ANI): The Duchess of York came to the rescue of her former hubby Prince Andrew, after he was accused of lavish spending on his tour of India.

Sarah Ferguson insisted Andrew's taxpayer-funded six-day trip on behalf of the Queen was "gruelling".

The Prince had been blasted for spending 3,000 pounds on three nights in a luxury hotel, when he could have stayed for free at the British high commissioner's residence, the Sun reported.

He was criticised for flying around by private jet - even using it to visit a Mumbai slum.

The cost of his travel around India is estimated at 80,000 pounds.

Labour MP Paul Flynn accused the prince of behaving "as if he were living in the days of the Raj."

But Fergie went online to say: "Welcome back the Duke from India.

"Congrats to his team for a gruelling trip."

She also praised his visit to a war memorial in Kohima, North-east India. (ANI)