Queen Elizabeth II was 'very keen' for Prince Andrew to become a UK trade envoy in 2001, a role that has since been described as a 'grave mistake'. The late monarch reportedly believed the position would give her second son structure and purpose as he was bumped down the line of succession, but the decision backfired spectacularly.
Royal commentators have long suggested that the Queen was blinkered when it came to Andrew, who is rumoured to have been her favourite son. Unlike his older siblings, Andrew benefited from more maternal attention during infancy, as the Queen had settled into her role as monarch by the time he was born. This closer bond may have led her to shield him, even as his behaviour drew criticism.
Andrew's tenure as trade envoy ended amid controversy, and his reputation was further damaged by his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Queen's support for him remained public, including riding alongside him after his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview and contributing to his 2022 settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre.
Ultimately, it fell to King Charles III to strip Andrew of his remaining titles and patronages, marking a definitive end to his public role.
