Documents Show Late Queen Urged Trade Envoy Role for Son

Newly released government documents show that the late Queen Elizabeth was "very keen" for her son to take on a trade envoy role in 2000. The files describe her wish for him to hold a "prominent role in the promotion of national interests." Officials at British Trade International recorded the preference in a memo dated February 2000.

The documents indicate that the role carried no formal salary. Travel and staff expenses were covered by the government. A 2001 media briefing stated that the envoy would promote British industry interests abroad. The same document noted that the position would involve two major regional visits each year.

The files were released following a parliamentary motion in February. The motion sought records related to the envoy appointment. Trade Minister Chris Bryant told lawmakers that only the minimum personal information had been redacted. He said further releases were unlikely.

“I guarantee the House that if there is more to publish, I will come back to the House with more, but I suspect that this may be our last tranche.”

Officials said the release was an exceptional step that departed from the usual convention of confidentiality around communications with the Sovereign.

The envoy served in the position until 2011.

He has denied any wrongdoing in connection with later allegations. The documents contain no evidence that a former U.S. ambassador played any part in the appointment process.