An influential committee of MPs could launch an inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s decade-long role as a UK trade envoy, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The cross-party Business and Trade Committee is set to meet next Tuesday to discuss a possible investigation into his tenure as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011.
The former prince’s arrest on Thursday has revived scrutiny of his conduct while in the role, which ended after a series of controversies including his ties to repressive regimes and his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sources familiar with his work told the BBC that Mountbatten-Windsor repeatedly pressed ministers for a larger government position, saying: 'Can you find a bigger role for me?'
Those who observed his work described him as a 'liability' and a 'freeloader' who failed to coordinate with government. One senior figure recalled that he would attend meetings, secure access due to his royal status, but then disappear for hours and return with expensive gifts. Another said there was a 'general sense of distaste' over his blurring of public and private interests, and that it was often unclear who funded his trips.
The committee may examine whether more could have been done to challenge his alleged behaviour while in post, and whether there were concerns it could have crossed into illegality. Sources, however, suggested that few in government took his role seriously at the time, and that deference shown by the Blair and Brown administrations may have enabled his conduct.
The inquiry could also look into the role of Peter Mandelson, the former business secretary who reportedly pushed for Andrew to receive the envoy job. Mandelson is separately under police investigation over allegations he leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein. Downing Street is currently reviewing documents related to Mandelson’s later appointment as ambassador to Washington, with a first tranche possibly emerging next week.
