Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor annoyed figures around the world and kept such 'dubious' company while acting as trade envoy that Whitehall officials raised concerns, it has emerged. Insiders from the former coalition government claimed yesterday that Andrew was widely viewed as a liability, but terminating his official role was considered politically sensitive because it risked dragging Buckingham Palace into a row. 'But because he was royalty, the official line was that, of course, he was doing a wonderful job,' he told The Observer. Another former Whitehall grandee said ambassadors would often complain about staging big receptions, just for Andrew to 'arrive late and only talk to the young women and then leave early'. It was reported Andrew eventually agreed to give up the trade position following a conversation between David Cameron and the late Queen.

Source: Daily Mail February 23, 2026 01:10 UTC