MPs Back Move to Release Files on Andrew’s Trade Envoy Appointment

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

British MPs have moved to make public a trove of government documents related to Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s appointment as a UK trade envoy, in a rare display of parliamentary pressure for transparency around a former senior royal’s official role. The House of Commons agreed to a motion compelling ministers to release records about how the appointment was made and what vetting took place, amid ongoing controversy following his recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The motion was tabled by the Liberal Democrats using a procedure known as a “humble address”, which obliges the government to lay specified documents before Parliament. Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant, speaking in the Commons, confirmed that the government supports publication of the files “as fast as we possibly can”, while stressing that material needed for an active police investigation may be held back until law enforcement officials agree it can be disclosed.

Mountbatten‑Windsor — formerly Prince Andrew — held the unpaid post of Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011. His appointment has come under renewed scrutiny after revelations from documents released by the US Department of Justice suggested that, in his envoy role, he forwarded reports of official visits to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former royal has denied any wrongdoing.

In Parliament, MPs from across parties criticised the appointment process and called for accountability. Some described the files relating to his trade envoy role and related correspondence as essential to understanding whether the candidacy was properly vetted and how officials evaluated his suitability for a position that granted privileged access to government and business leaders around the world. Lawmakers also noted that the motion’s passage reflects growing calls for greater transparency in how senior public roles are filled, particularly where members of the royal family are involved.

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said the release of documents was necessary to “come clean” about the appointment and to address broader concerns over institutional standards. Trade Minister Bryant said the government would comply with the humble address but caveated that the release schedule would need to observe legal constraints tied to the ongoing police inquiry into alleged misconduct.

The files to be published include vetting checks, correspondence and official memoranda from the period when Mountbatten‑Windsor’s role was created and filled. Publication is expected to take place over coming weeks, subject to review by civil servants and law enforcement to ensure it does not prejudice active investigations.

The move comes amid a broader political backdrop in which key figures associated with the appointment, including former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson, have also faced scrutiny. Mandelson was recently arrested and released on bail in a related probe into alleged sharing of sensitive government information.

Read More At>>