Newly released government documents show Queen Elizabeth II strongly supported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy in 2001, according to internal memos and correspondence published on Thursday.
The files, released by ministers following a parliamentary request approved in February, include communications between senior officials discussing the late monarch’s “wish” for her son to take on a leading role promoting British trade interests abroad.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then known as Prince Andrew, served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment for a decade before stepping down in 2011.
A memo dated 25 February 2000 from Sir David Wright, then-chief executive of British Trade International, stated that the Queen was “very keen” for Andrew to assume “a prominent role in the promotion of national interests.”
The document followed what Wright described as a “wide ranging conversation” with the Queen’s private secretary regarding the role of the Royal Family in trade promotion activities.
According to the memo, officials considered Andrew suitable for conducting “two or three specifically targeted trade promotion visits in overseas markets each year.”
The papers also indicated that he would host overseas trade visitors in London and attend official receptions linked to trade promotion efforts.
Additional correspondence released with the files detailed preferences linked to Andrew’s overseas engagements.
A letter written by diplomat Kathryn Colvin after discussions with Andrew’s private secretary, Captain Neil Blair, stated that he preferred visiting “the more sophisticated countries,” especially those considered leaders in technology.
The same document said he should not be offered “golfing functions abroad,” describing golf as a private activity.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant said some sections of the files were heavily redacted to protect personal information, preserve diplomatic relations, and avoid affecting ongoing police investigations connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Bryant also stated the government found “no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken” before the appointment.