Files related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as trade envoy released

Thursday, 21 May 2026

• The UK government has just released files regarding former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as British trade envoy in 2001.

• He stood down from the role in 2011 after he was linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He relinquished his royal title in 2025 as more information regarding his links to Epstein came to light.

• The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office in February. He has not been charged.

• First revelations from the UK government’s document drop include that the late Queen Elizabeth was “very keen” to see her son take on a “prominent role in the promotion of national interests”.

• The current UK Trade Minister said in a statement there was no evidence of due diligence or a vetting process ahead of Mountbatten-Windor’s appointment.

• We’ll keep you updated on the latest in our blog below.