MPs are set to meet next Tuesday to discuss a potential inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's tenure as a UK trade envoy, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The cross-party business and trade committee will consider investigating his decade-long role as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment, which ended in 2011.
Sources familiar with his work during that period described the former prince as a liability, citing a brusque personal style, links to repressive regimes, and his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. One senior figure said Andrew repeatedly asked ministers for a more significant government role, stating, 'He approached ministers personally, saying 'Can you find a bigger role for me?''
Another former government official recounted instances where Andrew would disappear for hours during trade missions and return with luxury items, adding, 'What I saw was a rather unpleasant, arrogant, entitled person who was on the hustle and couldn't tell the difference between the public interest and his private interests.' The official also noted confusion over who funded his trips, which were reportedly expensive.
Concerns were raised about Andrew's lack of coordination with government, including a 2010 incident where he made an unannounced trip to China weeks before a high-level visit by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. The business committee may examine whether more could have been done to challenge his behaviour during his tenure.
Both sources suggested that few in government took Andrew's role seriously, with one noting, 'There was a general sense that Andrew was seen as a bit of a liability, a freeloader, who didn't do much that useful, but that UKTI put up with it because it was something which would please the royals.' The second source added that there was 'too much deference' shown during the Blair and Brown governments.
Separately, former business secretary Peter Mandelson, who reportedly pushed for Andrew to receive the envoy job, is under police investigation over allegations he leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein. Downing Street is reviewing documents related to Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington, which ended after details of his Epstein links emerged.
