Prince Andrew appointed UK trade envoy after Queen's advocacy

British documents released in 2024 reveal that Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for her second son, Prince Andrew, to succeed the Duke of Kent as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. A memo from Sir David Wright, chief executive of British Trade International, to then‑Foreign Secretary Robin Cook dated 25 February 2000 recorded the Queen’s wish that the Duke of York take on a prominent role promoting national interests.

The memo noted that Prince Andrew had been arrested in February 2000 on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was subsequently released under investigation. The documents show no evidence that formal security vetting was carried out before his appointment. After an opposition party invoked a parliamentary device, the government released the files.

Prince Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011, an unpaid position that involved travel and meetings with senior business and government figures worldwide.