Documents concerning Prince Andrew's time a trade envoy 'may no longer be retained' says government

Prince Andrew, the third child of the beloved monarch Queen Elizabeth II, has been under the spotlight for quite some time. However, while all members of his family are under constant scrutiny, there is a dark reason behind the attention on Prince Andrew.

Indeed, Prince Andrew is tied in with sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He was also sued for sexual assault. In 2019, he gave an interview to the BBC which was meant to put this scandal to rest but instead led to him being removed from any royal duties and losing his Royal Highness title.

In September 2023, biographer Andrew Lownie, revealed that government files about Prince Andrew’s activities when he was working as a trade envoy weren't to be released until 2065. In April 2024, Lownie has issued an update.

Prince Andrew worked for the government for 10 years

The Royal Family doesn’t have to follow rules that apply to any other citizens. In this instance, Prince Andrew is protected by the fact that the Firm isn’t subjected to the Freedom of Information Act.

This Act, passed in 2000, ensures that the public has access to ‘information held by public authorities.’ This means that the public, a biographer included, can legally request to see information from public authorities.

Now, the fact that Prince Andrew’s files will not be shared until 2065 goes directly against this. While it is understood that some royal documents, such as wills, must remain hidden, this is not the case here. Lownie asked to see documents concerning a time when Prince Andrew worked for the state as a trade envoy.

This is a role that was funded through tax-payer money and allowed him to travel all around the world for 10 years. Andrew Lownie, speaking to The Daily Telegraph, said:

Many questions remain about Andrew’s role as a trade envoy. (...) There is also a strong public interest in knowing, for example, who is paying for his security now he is no longer a working royal.

And the biggest question of all: did Prince Andrew use this tax-payer money to visit Jeffrey Epstein’s estate?

Is there something to hide?

This decision to not share these documents is being challenged by many royal commentators. For instance, talking to Talk TV on 4 September, royal correspondent Michael Cole said:

This is absurd. It’s outrageous. And it’s very unwise because it invites suspicion that something is being hidden.

On X, people seem to be thinking along the same lines.

If that’s not guilt then I don’t know what is!!!

Andrew gets away yet again!

This news of Prince Andrew being once again protected by his place within the Royal Family appeared just a week after he was seen being driven to church by the heir to the throne, Prince William, last year in August. At the time this was seen as a clear sign that he was being welcomed back within the fold.

Maybe, these documents not being released is the clearer sign that he is indeed still enjoying his royal privileges...

Andrew Lownie gives an update on his request

On 7 April 2024, the Daily Mail explained that when the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) answered Andrew Lownie's request they said that documents concerning Prince Andrew's time 'may no longer be retained'.

When pressed by Lownie and the Daily Mail, the DBT have been unable to confirm whether or not these documents were destroyed. Talking to the Mail, the historian said:

I think there are a lot of questions.

He also continued with the idea that the DBT's refusal to answer questions could be a sign of a cover-up. The documents Lownie asked to see were supposed to be kept for 20 years before the most relevant were transferred to the National Archive and the rest destroyed.

Read more:

⋙ A royal expert says welcoming Prince Andrew back could be a huge mistake as 'he's the most dangerous'

⋙ Prince Andrew’s beaming smile at St George’s Chapel triggers criticism from Jeffrey Epstein victim

⋙ Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson: Is remarriage on the cards? Experts seem to disagree

Sources:

Edinburgh Live: Prince Andrew will have to live for 105 years before 'secret' government files can be released

BBC News: Prince Andrew: Envoy career plagued with controversy

TalkTV on Youtube

Information Commissioner's Officer: What is the Freedom of Information Act?

X

Daily Mail: Have files on Prince Andrew's controversial role as Britain's trade envoy been destroyed?