Queen Pushed for Andrew's Trade Envoy Role

Newly released government documents reveal that Queen Elizabeth II was 'very keen' for her son, then-Prince Andrew (now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor), to become the UK's special representative for international trade and investment in 2001. The files indicate that the Queen wished for him to take on a prominent role in promoting national interests.

The documents were released following a request from Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats. They include memos and letters discussing Andrew's appointment as trade envoy, a position he held until 2011. According to a memo dated February 2000 from then-chief executive of British Trade International Sir David Wright to former foreign secretary Robin Cook, the Queen wished for Andrew to succeed his cousin, the Duke of Kent.

The government stated that there is no evidence formal due diligence or security vetting was conducted before Andrew's appointment. Trade Minister Chris Bryant noted this was understandable as the role was a continuation of royal family involvement in trade promotion work. The documents also mention the need for 'careful and sometimes strict media management' regarding his engagements.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein, with whom he had been accused of sharing confidential material. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February but later released under investigation. The government does not expect to publish more files about his appointment.

The newly released documents have raised questions about the vetting process and the role's oversight. According to BBC, the Queen pushed for her son to inherit the role from the Duke of Kent, with David Wright noting it was her wish for Andrew to assume a 'prominent role in the promotion of national interests'. The files show that no other candidates were considered for the unpaid job.

The appointment process has been criticized as reflecting an outdated system where royal status took precedence over experience and expertise. HuffPost notes that the documents expose a British establishment dazzled by royal status, which stopped asking normal questions about power. The informal nature of the role raises concerns about oversight and scrutiny in trade diplomacy.

Police are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over potential sex crimes, according to Sky News. Detectives are keen to speak to a woman who claims she was taken to his home for sexual purposes. They are also appealing for other potential Epstein survivors to come forward. The investigation is expected to last many months and covers various aspects including misconduct in public office.

Andrew remains under investigation and strongly denies any wrongdoing. Police have already spoken to a range of witnesses since his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, prompted by the release of the FBI's Jeffrey Epstein files. The files appeared to show Andrew passed on sensitive government documents and commercial information to Epstein.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that their investigation is complex and covers many forms of misconduct, including sex offences, fraud, corruption, and perverting the course of justice. They are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry.