Queen Elizabeth was eager for ex-Prince Andrew to become British trade envoy, documents say

The UK government released confidential documents showing Queen Elizabeth II was 'very keen' for her son, Prince Andrew, to take a prominent role as a trade envoy. A letter from the head of Britain’s trade body stated the Queen wanted the Duke of York to 'promote national interests,' while a government memo noted his 'high public profile' would require 'strict media management.' Andrew served as a special envoy for international trade from 2001 to 2011 before resigning due to concerns over his associations with figures in Libya and Azerbaijan. Trade Minister Chris Bryant confirmed no formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken before his appointment, describing it as a continuation of the royal family’s trade promotion work. The revelations follow the US Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related documents, which exposed the financier’s exploitation of young women and his influence over powerful figures. Andrew was stripped of his royal title in 2021 amid the scandal, and King Charles III sought to distance the monarchy from the fallout. The documents also highlight the monarchy’s influence in trade and diplomacy, with Andrew’s role reflecting the royal family’s historical involvement in overseas trade efforts. Meanwhile, the UK government is cooperating with Thames Valley Police investigating potential misconduct in public office by Andrew, now known as Mountbatten-Windsor. The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Britain’s political and business elite, often referred to as 'the Establishment,' raising questions about accountability and power structures. The case underscores the ongoing repercussions of the Epstein revelations, particularly in the UK, where public trust in institutions remains fragile.