According to a recently released document, Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” to appoint former Prince Andrew as the UK’s trade envoy.
This information came to light as the British government released confidential files just months after Members of Parliament criticized the king’s brother for prioritizing his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein over national interests.
The head of a British trade body wrote in a letter that “the Queen is keen for the Duke of York to play a key role in advancing the national interest.”
A separate memo to UK trade officials noted that Andrew’s public presence necessitated “careful and sometimes strict media management.”
The late queen’s support reportedly reflects her feelings for her son, suggesting that her sympathy may have affected her hesitations regarding his relationship with Epstein.
In a communication to MPs, Trade Minister Kris Bryant remarked that there was “no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken” prior to Andrew’s appointment. He added that the lack of proper consideration was not surprising, as the appointment followed the Duke of Kent’s resignation from his role in the Overseas Trade Commission.
Bryant also mentioned that the government is working with Thames Valley Police in their investigation into potential misconduct by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last year as Charles III aimed to shield the monarchy from the repercussions of the Epstein scandal. He previously served as a special envoy for international trade from 2001 to 2011, until concerns about his associations in Libya and Azerbaijan led to his resignation.
This revelation comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Justice releasing extensive documents related to Epstein, illustrating how wealthy individuals leveraged their connections to exploit vulnerable young women.
The scandal’s implications have resonated deeply in the UK, raising significant questions about the power dynamics among aristocracy, senior politicians, and other influential figures often referred to as the “establishment.”
