ANDREW TRADE ENVOY ROLE QUESTIONED – UK releases documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appointment as trade envoy
The British government published historic documents on the 2001 appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying it found no evidence that formal due diligence or security vetting was carried out at the time.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant told parliament the material had been disclosed with “maximum transparency” while respecting an ongoing police investigation.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Bryant said the government had published 11 documents in response to a request by lawmakers, covering the creation of the role of Special Representative for Trade and Investment and the appointment of Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew.
The minister said the files included the formal appointment proposal, evidence that ministers at the time were “content” with the decision, as well as internal communications and media briefings. He added that only material deemed irrelevant to Mountbatten-Windsor, such as travel plans for other members of the royal family or content that could harm international relations, had been redacted.
The documents, published after an opposition request, include a memo indicating that Queen Elizabeth was “very keen” for her son to be appointed to the role. They also added to scrutiny around the appointment process, with Bryant saying separately there was no evidence of formal due diligence or security vetting at the time.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as trade envoy until 2011, has denied any wrongdoing related to separate allegations tied to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
