Newly disclosed papers, which have introduced Andrew’s Epstein scandal again into the headlines, embody a February 2000 memo despatched to then Overseas Secretary Robin Cook dinner by Sir David Wright, chief government of British Commerce Worldwide.
Within the doc, Wright described discussions with the Queen’s personal secretary concerning Andrew’s future position after navy service.
He wrote: “The Queen’s want is that the Duke of Kent needs to be succeeded on this position by the Duke of York. The Queen may be very eager that the Duke of York ought to tackle a outstanding position within the promotion of nationwide pursuits.”
Different briefing notes revealed officers discussing how Andrew’s picture needs to be offered publicly if issues have been raised over his suitability for the place.
Inside steering is alleged to have suggested diplomats and aides to emphasise Andrew’s “excessive profile and dedication” whereas rigorously managing abroad engagements and public appearances.
Kathryn Colvin, then head of protocol on the Overseas Workplace, recorded that Captain Neil Blair, Andrew’s personal secretary, requested the then-duke not be supplied golf-related engagements abroad as a result of it was thought of a “personal exercise.”
Colvin additionally famous Andrew most popular “the extra refined nations” and had specific pursuits in “high-tech issues, commerce, youth, with a desire for ballet fairly than theatre.”
Andrew turned the UK’s particular consultant for worldwide commerce and funding in 2001 and remained within the place for a decade earlier than resigning in 2011 amid intensifying scrutiny surrounding his friendship with Epstein. Throughout his time within the position, he was often criticized over journey bills and the dimensions of taxpayer-funded abroad journeys, incomes him the nickname “Air Miles Andy.”
Downing Avenue has confirmed officers uncovered “no proof {that a} formal due diligence or vetting course of was undertaken” earlier than Andrew assumed the commerce envoy position as a result of it was seen as a part of the royal household’s broader involvement in selling British pursuits overseas.