Overview
- The UK government published 11 historical files on Thursday that include a 2000 memo from Sir David Wright saying the late Queen was “very keen” for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to take a prominent role promoting national interests.
- In a written statement to Parliament, junior trade minister Chris Bryant said the government found no evidence that formal due diligence or security vetting was carried out before Andrew’s 2001 appointment as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
- Andrew served in the unpaid envoy role from 2001 to 2011 and was arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office before being released under investigation; US Department of Justice emails also suggest he forwarded official trip reports to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010–11.
- The files contain practical guidance and preferences for his visits, including a note that he should not be offered golfing functions abroad, and officials have described the released material as a limited paper trail with some redactions to protect policing and international relations.
- The publication, compelled by a Liberal Democrat humble address, has prompted renewed demands for full records, possible further police or CPS Special Crime Division action, and a review of vetting rules for high-profile roles tied to the state.