Queen’s ‘keenness’ for Andrew to be trade envoy was a grave mistake

The monarch may have thought the role would keep her ‘favourite’ second son out of trouble. How wrong she was No evidence of formal security vetting when Andrew became UK trade envoy, minister says That Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to take on a “prominent role in the promotion of national interests” as a trade envoy in 2001 demonstrates the fierce support the late monarch always gave her second son. Knowing he was “the spare”, and undoubtedly acutely aware of the pitfalls of that position – her sister, Princess Margaret, had struggled to find her own role – a mother’s instinct would be to protect, so far as she could. Presumably, she believed it would give the then Prince Andrew structure and purpose as he was steadily bumped down the line of succession, as well as highlighting the family’s own royal brand of usefulness to the country. After a Royal Navy career, during which he even briefly enjoyed “national hero” status, posing with a rose on his return from combat in the Falklands, it could offer him direction away from the luxury yacht parties and golf courses. How wrong she was. Royal commentators have long espous