WorldDocuments show Queen Elizabeth was "very keen" that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, be given the job of U.K. trade envoy, as the U.K. government on Thursday released the confidential papers related to his appointment in 2001, which later proved controversial due to his links to American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Late monarch was 'very keen' for son to have a role in promoting national interestsThe Associated Press · Posted: May 21, 2026 7:55 AM EDT | Last Updated: May 21Listen to this articleEstimated 5 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Queen Elizabeth, right, talks to her son, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, centre, as she looks out from the balcony at the end of the Epsom Derby horse race in Epsom, England on June 2, 2012. (Sang Tan/The Associated Press)Documents show Queen Elizabeth was "very keen" in 2000 that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, be given the job of U.K. trade envoy.The U.K. government on Thursday released the confidential papers related to Andrew's appointment, after lawmakers approved a motion in February demanding publication of the documents. Those demands came as the former prince was arrested and questioned for several hours on allegations he shared government reports with American Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, while he was trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. "The Queen is very keen that the Duke of York should take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests," the head of Britain's trade body wrote in a 2000 letter, referring to Andrew by his other title. Another document, a government memo sent to U.K. trade staff around the world, says that Andrew's "high public profile" will require "careful and sometimes strict media management." Trade Minister Chris Bryant said in a written statement to lawmakers that "we have found no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken" before Andrew was appointed to the role."There is also no evidence that this was considered. This is understandable since this new appointment was a continuation of the royal family's involvement in trade and investment promotion work." WATCH | The timeline of Andrew's troubles:Arrested: The fall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | About ThatFebruary 19|Duration 11:11Police in England arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and brother of King Charles, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew Chang explains the allegations against Mountbatten-Windsor and their connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.