At the time, Queen Elizabeth II was “particularly keen” for her son Andrew to become the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. This is evident from documents released by the British government.

The confidential documents surrounding Andrew’s appointment have been released after the House of Commons demanded it in February. Experts call the released documents(opens in new window) “explosive and potentially very harmful”. The 31 pages contain many emails, text messages and WhatsApp messages between government officials.

The head of the British trade body British Trade International wrote in a memo to the then Foreign Secretary in February 2000: “The Queen attaches great importance to the Duke of York playing a prominent role in promoting national interests.”

Queen Elizabeth is said to have insisted on her son’s appointment because no other member of the royal family was available and “the Duke of York would take his role for granted”. Another member of the royal family left the position and Andrew is said to be looking for a new job because his active role in the navy was ending.

Andrew ultimately held this position from 2001 to 2011, traveling the world on behalf of the United Kingdom to maintain and establish trade relationships with other countries. When he was appointed, the former prince is said to have expressed a preference to “mainly visit more developed countries” as an envoy.

This lobbying position gave him access to important contacts within government and the business community worldwide. Ultimately, Andrew had to resign in 2011: he was suspected of maintaining dubious contacts with leading figures in Libya and Azerbaijan, British media write. He was already called Airmiles Andy in the British press because of his eagerness for world travel.

The former prince was arrested earlier this year after allegations that he, as a special envoy, shared government reports with controversial American billionaire and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Due to his involvement in scandals surrounding Epstein, ex-Prince Andrew lost all his royal titles last year, now he goes by the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

According to Commerce Secretary Chris Bryant, the released documents do not show that ex-Prince Andrew was vetted before he was appointed. In a written statement he wrote: “There is also no evidence that this has been considered.” According to him, this was not surprising: Andrew succeeded a family member and his appointment was therefore a continuation of the royal family’s involvement in promoting international trade, according to Bryant.

As special envoy, Andrew did not operate as a prince, but as a citizen and therefore had to adhere to the laws and regulations of British civil service. As a result, he can be taken to court as a citizen. Minister Bryant said the British government is “fully cooperating” with police in their investigation into Andrew.