Former Prince Andrew wants to destroy the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth
Newly released documents, which have put Andrew’s Epstein scandal back in the headlines, include a February 2000 memo sent by Sir David Wright, CEO of British Trade International, to then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.
In the document, Wright described discussions with the Queen’s private secretary about Andrew’s future role after military service.
He wrote: “The Queen’s wish is that the Duke of Kent will be succeeded in this role by the Duke of York. The Queen is very keen to see the Duke of York take a prominent role in promoting the national interests.”
Other briefing notes showed officials discussing how to present Andrew’s image publicly if concerns were raised about his suitability for the position.
Internal guidance is said to have advised diplomats and aides to emphasize Andrew’s “high profile and involvement” as he carefully managed foreign engagements and public appearances.
Kathryn Colvin, then head of protocol at the Foreign Office, wrote that Captain Neil Blair, Andrew’s private secretary, had asked the then duke not to offer golf-related assignments abroad because it was considered a “private activity.”
Colvin also noted that Andrew preferred “the more advanced countries” and had a particular interest in “high-tech business, commerce, youth, with a preference for ballet rather than theater.”
Andrew became Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001 and remained in the role for a decade before resigning in 2011 amid mounting criticism of his friendship with Epstein. During his time in the role, he was regularly criticized for travel costs and the extent of taxpayer-funded overseas trips, earning him the nickname “Air Miles Andy”.
Downing Street has confirmed that officials discovered “no evidence that any formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken” before Andrew took on the role of trade envoy, as this was seen as part of the royal family’s wider involvement in advancing British interests abroad.
