Queen Elizabeth II was 'very keen' for Andrew to get UK trade envoy role
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Newly released government files reveal that Queen Elizabeth II was "very keen" for her son, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to become a trade envoy in 2000 to promote national interests.
- Prince Andrew served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment until 2011, with a focus on high-tech matters, youth, cultural events, and the Commonwealth, according to diplomatic correspondence.
- The documents emphasize careful media management of Andrew's role, noting he was unpaid but had travel and staff expenses covered, despite later whistleblower claims of excessive taxpayer-funded costs.
- The release follows a parliamentary request by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey amid scrutiny of Andrew's conduct related to allegations involving Jeffrey Epstein, which Andrew denies.
- Trade Minister Chris Bryant stated that further documents would be disclosed if available, but this release might be the final tranche, with some information redacted to protect personal data and international relations.