Britain’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II reportedly supported the appointment of her son Prince Andrew as a high-profile trade envoy, according to a senior official cited in government documents released on Thursday.
The papers, published by the British government, relate to Andrew’s role as a special envoy for British Trade International (BTI), a body responsible for promoting the UK abroad. He served in the position from 2001 to 2011.
The release comes amid renewed scrutiny of the former royal’s ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and broader questions surrounding his public role.
Andrew, who now uses the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of his remaining royal titles following the release of US files linked to Epstein last year.
He was also arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to Epstein. Authorities allege he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as trade envoy. He was released after questioning and has not been charged, and he denies any wrongdoing.
The 11 newly published documents outline internal discussions around his appointment and suggest the Queen personally encouraged his selection for the role, according to officials referenced in the files.
