No evidence Andrew vetted to become trade envoy: files
Aside from the release of new documents, the British government has found no evidence that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was scrutinized before his appointment as trade envoy, a minister has said.
The files also include the former prince’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. It also shows that Elizabeth pressured him to be appointed to such a post.
The documents were made public after UK opposition MPs asked the government to release all documents relating to the creation of the role of Special Representative for Trade and Investment and the controversial appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to the role.
Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed trade envoy in 2001 and resigned a decade later over her ties to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a letter published on Thursday, Business Secretary Chris Bryant said: “We have found no evidence that a formal due diligence or review process has been undertaken. Nor is there any evidence that it has been considered.”
Bryant said the process was “understandable” as Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment was a “continuation” of the royal family’s involvement in supporting Britain’s trade and investment.
The files also showed that the late Queen was “very keen” on Andrew being appointed as Britain’s trade envoy.
“The Queen is keen for the Duke of York to take on a significant role in promoting the national interest,” the head of Britain’s trade body wrote in a letter to two senior cabinet ministers on 25 February 2000.
The late ruler’s involvement confirms earlier beliefs that he had a soft spot for his second son; This may have influenced his lack of determination in dealing with allegations of his connections to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor served as Britain’s special envoy for international trade from 2001 to 2011, when she was forced to step down over concerns about her links to dubious figures in Libya and Azerbaijan.
Bryant said the UK government was co-operating with Thames Valley Police in their investigations into Mountbatten-Windsor and possible misconduct in public office.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of her royal titles late last year as the US Justice Department prepared to release millions of pages of documents related to the Epstein investigation. These files showed how the wealthy financier used an international network of rich, powerful friends to gain influence and sexually exploit young women and girls.
from EFE
