Newly released documents have disclosed that the late Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for Prince Andrew to assume a “prominent role in the promotion of national interests” prior to his appointment as a trade envoy. The memo, addressed to then-Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, was written by senior official Sir David Wright, who stated that the monarch’s “wish” was for the then-Duke of York to succeed her cousin, the Duke of Kent, in the position.
Background of the Appointment
Sir David, then chief executive of British Trade International (BTI), noted that he had a “wide-ranging discussion” with the Queen’s private secretary before proposing a “suitable role” for Andrew as his naval career concluded. The role was envisioned to include regional trips, two or three overseas visits annually, and occasional leadership of trade missions. Sir David also indicated that Andrew would not be expected to attend regular board meetings or handle the associated paperwork.
The Duke of Kent had planned to step down from his role as special representative for trade in April of the following year, aligning with the end of Andrew’s active naval service. The memo emphasized that the Queen wished for Andrew to succeed the Duke of Kent in this capacity.
Restrictions on Golfing Abroad
Another document from the trove revealed efforts to prevent Andrew, nicknamed “Air Miles Andy” and “Playboy Prince” for his frequent travel and leisure pursuits, from golfing abroad. Kathryn Colvin, then head of the Protocol Division, wrote that Andrew’s private secretary specifically requested that the Duke of York not be offered golfing functions overseas, as golf was a private activity and he would not play in any public capacity.
Media Management Concerns
BTI staff were also warned that Andrew’s “high public profile” would require “careful and sometimes strict media management.” An internal telegram from September 2001 stated that this factor would be crucial when planning engagements, with initial proposals needing a media strategy developed jointly with the Palace. The documents also noted Andrew’s preference for “more sophisticated countries” and his strengths in high-tech matters, trade, youth issues, cultural events (particularly ballet over theatre), the Commonwealth, and military and foreign affairs.
Redactions and Controversy
Some lines in the documents have been redacted, with the government citing the need to remove “the bare minimum of personal information and information whose release would prejudice international relations.” Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Although he received no salary, criticisms arose over the thousands of pounds spent annually on his expenses and travel.
Andrew’s resignation followed the emergence of a photograph showing him with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to him by Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre claimed she had sex with Andrew three times, allegations he has consistently denied. In 2022, Andrew settled a civil suit with Giuffre, paying millions of pounds.
Lack of Vetting
The documents released on Thursday, following a Liberal Democrat motion in the Commons, also revealed that no formal due diligence or vetting was conducted before Andrew’s appointment. Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant stated that this was “understandable” given the role was a continuation of royal family involvement in trade promotion. The Liberal Democrats criticized the “small paper trail” and called for the full release of files. Downing Street confirmed that further documents would be published in the future.
Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and remains under investigation. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
