Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in new setback as one other probe looms
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office with MPs expected to launch investigation into his conduct as UK trade envoy
Andrew is facing another probe(Image: Getty)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing a fresh investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday (February 19). It is understood that an influential committee of MPs could launch an inquiry into his role as UK trade envoy as early as next week.
Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. Nevertheless, he stepped down following his alleged connections with controversial figures such as Jeffrey Epstein.
It has now come to light that a committee could convene next Tuesday (February 24) to discuss an investigation into the conduct of the former royal. As reported by The Guardian, Andrew allegedly badgered ministers about securing a more substantial role in government while he served as trade envoy.
A senior figure revealed he approached ministers for a more significant position on numerous occasions. They said: “He approached ministers personally, saying ‘Can you find a bigger role for me?’ Trade envoys are not considered a very important part of the state, they are mainly tokenistic.
“Andrew seemed to feel he had no real role in life, but had something to offer in terms of contacts around the world, particularly royalty.”
Meanwhile, others who worked alongside Andrew at the time claimed he was widely viewed as a liability. This concerned both his character and the manner in which he executed the role, reports the Express.
A second high-ranking individual commented: “The classic thing would be for him to turn up – and being a royal would get access in some countries – do a lunch meeting but then disappear for six hours and come back with two new Rolexes.
“What I saw was a rather unpleasant, arrogant, entitled person who was on the hustle and couldn’t tell the difference between the public interest and his private interests.
“It created quite a sense of general distaste. It was always never completely clear who would pay for his trips – the Foreign Office, business department or the palace. And it wasn’t cheap. He went to Davos one year and insisted on the most expensive chalet.”
The cross-party business and trade committee are anticipated to probe whether more could have been done to challenge Andrew’s alleged behaviour. They will also scrutinise how his actions could have potentially been illegal.
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