The Cabinet Office has been accused of covering up for the royal family after documents relating to the former Duke of York's travel expenses as a UK trade envoy were withheld from the National Archives at the last minute. The files, which included minutes from No 10 meetings in 2004 and 2005 on royal visits, were initially provided to journalists under embargo but then withdrawn, with the Cabinet Office citing an 'administrative error'.
The minutes, seen before their removal, appear unremarkable. They note that a change in rules could mean costs for Prince Andrew as a trade envoy would be funded by the Royal Travel Office rather than the former Department of Trade and Industry, adding £90,000 to its budget. Visits discussed included trips to China, Russia, south-east Asia, and Spain.
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, said: 'The most likely reason for this attempt to stop disclosure is pressure from the palace. The royals have sought to keep everything under wraps when it comes to Andrew, not to protect him but to protect themselves.' The retention of the minutes underscores how files relating to the royal family are routinely withheld under the Public Records Act.
Other documents released in the same tranche include records on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and a grovelling apology from John Major's office after an official birthday telegram to the Queen Mother was addressed in an 'improper manner'. Downing Street also refused in 2005 to release details of a conversation between Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac after the Paris accident, citing confidentiality.
The apology, written by Roderic Lyne in the No 10 private office, insisted Downing Street staff were not to blame, saying British Telecom had misaddressed the telegram. The Queen Mother herself seemed unperturbed, sending 'warm thanks' for the 'kind message of good wishes'.
