The former duke was handed the plum role in 2001 and travelled the world for a decade - developing questionable friendships and lavishing taxpayers' money on luxury trips.

The U.K. government is set to release confidential papers related to the former Prince Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy

Andrew was a 'natural fit' to succeed her cousin the Duke of Kent after he concluded his Royal Navy service in July 2001, the late Queen believed.