Late Queen was keen for Prince Andrew to promote UK interests
He wrote: "Finally, we would want the Duke of York to be available to receive prominent trade visitors from overseas here in London and perhaps act as host at meals or receptions as appropriate."
Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to assume a “prominent role in the promotion of national interests”, according to a senior official’s memo sent to the then-foreign secretary before his appointment as trade envoy in 2001.
In the note to Robin Cook, dated 25 February 2000, David Wright, then chief executive of British Trade International, wrote that Queen Elizabeth’s “wish” was for Andrew, then the Duke of York, to take up the position.
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Mr Wright outlined a job that would involve regional travel, two or three overseas visits each year and, from time to time, a “leading trade mission”.
He wrote: “Finally, we would want the Duke of York to be available to receive prominent trade visitors from overseas here in London and perhaps act as host at meals or receptions as appropriate.”
He added: “We would nonetheless ensure that he was kept in touch with board developments and issues.”
The memo was made public this morning as part of a wider release of documents tied to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to the role, which placed him in contact with senior government and business figures across the world.
The former duke is facing allegations that he shared sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to 2011.
The disclosure follows a humble address tabled in Parliament by the Liberal Democrats seeking the release of papers connected to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s position, including any vetting material and any correspondence from former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, who was later disgraced.
The Commons list of written statements scheduled for release today includes an entry from the Department of Business and Trade titled “Return to the Humble Address on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor”.
A ministerial statement on the publication of the documents is also due this afternoon.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released under investigation.
The former prince has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
