Queen Elizabeth II was ‘very keen’ on her son Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor taking a ‘prominent role in the promotion of national interests’ as a trade envoy, newly released documents show
The late Queen Elizabeth II was ‘very keen’ on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor assuming a ‘prominent role in the promotion of national interests’. Mountbatten-Windsor held the position of trade envoy from 2001 through to 2011.
He was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office but was subsequently released under investigation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
A memorandum in which the Queen outlined her views regarding his trade envoy appointment has now emerged amongst a collection of released documents. The correspondence passed between the-then chief executive British Trade International, Sir David Wright, and the then-foreign secretary Robin Cook, bearing a February 2000 date, reports the Daily Star.
Sir David outlined how the position would encompass several regional trips alongside two or three international visits annually, as well as a “leading trade mission from time to time”. He added: “We would nonetheless ensure that he was kept in touch with board developments and issues.”
Sir David revealed the Queen believed there was “no other” Royal Family member suitable for assuming the responsibility. He wrote: “The Queen’s wish is that the Duke of Kent should be succeeded in this role by the Duke of York.”
“The Duke of Kent is to relinquish his responsibilities around April next year. That would fit well with the end of the Duke of York’s active naval career.
“The Queen is very keen that the Duke of York should take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests. No other member of The Royal Family would be available to succeed the Duke of Kent. The Duke of York’s adoption of his role would seem a natural fit.”
During that period, the late Queen’s cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, frequently represented British commercial interests internationally through various related positions. The documentation concerning the former prince’s responsibilities has been made public following a February request from the Liberal Democrats.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey requested the Government disclose all paperwork connected to establishing the special representative for trade and investment position and Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2001 appointment to it. A ministerial address relating to the documents is expected in Parliament this afternoon.
The Liberal Democrats have condemned the “small paper trail” disclosed by the Government regarding Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2001 trade envoy appointment.
Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: “It is shocking and deeply troubling that Andrew was appointed to the trade envoy role with no vetting. Nobody should be above such standards. This raises serious questions about why officials and ministers at the time thought that was acceptable.
“The lack of documentation provided is itself concerning, as is the time it has taken to get this far. We must get the full files from government without delay, and an explanation about why there is such a small paper trail. And the Government must commit to mandatory vetting for all similar appointments in future.
“The victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, and the justice they have been denied for years, are foremost in our minds as this continues.
“We must have a full public inquiry into Epstein, his links to the British establishment, and the abuse he and his associates perpetrated against women and girls here in the UK.”
