The U.K. government has released confidential papers concerning the 2001 appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, as a British trade envoy.
Documents reveal that Queen Elizabeth was very keen for the Duke of York to take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests. This sentiment was expressed in a letter written by the head of Britain's trade body.
The appointment later proved controversial due to the former prince's links to American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been accused of sharing secrets with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
The government released the papers in response to legislation passed by Parliament after lawmakers accused the king's brother of putting his friendship with Epstein ahead of the nation.