Newly released documents reveal Queen Elizabeth II strongly supported Prince Andrew for a UK trade envoy role despite mounting controversy surrounding his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Newly released government documents have revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for her son, Prince Andrew, to be appointed as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy, despite growing concerns over his associations and conduct.
According to confidential papers made public by the UK government, senior officials were informed that the monarch wanted the Duke of York to “take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests.” The documents shed new light on the late queen’s support for Andrew and are likely to revive scrutiny over the royal family’s handling of controversies surrounding the disgraced prince.
A government memo circulated to British trade staff worldwide also acknowledged that Prince Andrew’s “high public profile” would require “careful and sometimes strict media management.”
The revelations emerged months after British lawmakers accused Andrew of prioritizing his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein over Britain’s national interests.
UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant told parliament that investigators found “no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken” before Andrew was appointed to the prestigious trade role.
Bryant said the appointment was viewed at the time as a continuation of the royal family’s involvement in trade promotion activities after the Duke of Kent stepped down from similar duties.
Prince Andrew served as the UK’s special envoy for international trade from 2001 until 2011, when he resigned amid mounting criticism over his ties to controversial figures in Libya, Azerbaijan, and Epstein.
The latest disclosures are expected to reinforce long-held perceptions that Queen Elizabeth had a particularly soft spot for Andrew, potentially influencing the palace’s response to allegations surrounding his friendship with Epstein.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and has previously said he regretted the relationship. However, the scandal severely damaged his public standing and led to his removal from royal duties and titles by King Charles III last year.
British authorities are also cooperating with Thames Valley Police in an ongoing investigation into possible misconduct in public office linked to Andrew’s activities.
The release of additional Epstein-related files in the United States has intensified pressure on Britain’s establishment, raising broader questions about the influence and accountability of powerful elites, including royals, politicians, and business figures.
