UK Government to Release Ex-Prince Andrew's Trade Envoy Documents After Police Probe
The British government has announced it will not oppose the release of documents pertaining to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment and service as an international trade envoy. However, the sensitive files will only be made public following the completion of an ongoing police investigation into the disgraced former prince.
Documents Await Police Investigation Conclusion
On Tuesday, Trade Minister Chris Bryant of the Labour Party confirmed the government's position, stating, "The government will, of course, comply with the terms of the humble address in full." He emphasized that while the government supports the motion for release put forth by the Liberal Democrats, a live police investigation into the former Duke of York must first conclude. Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and authorities have stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of their inquiry.
Bryant explained the necessary delay, noting, "It would be wrong of me to say anything that might prejudice them. Nor will the government be able to put into the public domain anything that is required by the police for them to conduct their inquiries, unless and until the police are satisfied."
Allegations of Misconduct and Questionable Expenses
The controversy centers on Andrew's role as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. He faces serious allegations, including:
- Sharing confidential government trade reports with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to emails released by the U.S. Justice Department. These reports followed trade visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China in 2010.
- Tip-offs to Epstein about investment opportunities in gold and uranium in Afghanistan.
- Charging taxpayers for personal expenses, including massage services during official trips to the Middle East, as revealed by former civil servants.
- Excessive travel costs that were reportedly approved without proper scrutiny by senior officials.
One former trade department employee told the BBC about refusing to pay for Andrew's massage services, only to be overruled by higher-ups. Another senior official confirmed seeing similar questionable expense reimbursements, describing a culture where Andrew's expenditures received a "rubber stamp" of approval.
Broader Context and Political Pressure
Andrew's royal titles were stripped by his brother, King Charles, in October 2025 amid growing controversy over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. The former prince has also faced allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual misconduct when she was a teenager.
Chris Bryant, who as an opposition MP in 2011 called for Andrew's removal from the trade envoy role citing rude and arrogant behavior, now emphasizes transparency. "If there are things that are embarrassing for the government, who cares? I want to make sure we end up getting justice for the victims," he stated.
The document release represents a significant moment for government accountability, highlighting how Andrew's decade-long tenure as a trade representative has become entangled with serious legal and ethical questions. The public awaits both the police investigation's findings and the subsequent unveiling of documents that could shed further light on this prolonged scandal.
