Prince Andrew quits job as UK trade envoy
The Duke of York is stepping down from his role as Britain’s trade envoy, three months after coming in for criticism over his links to controversial figures in business and world politics.
The Duke of York is to step down from his role as a UK business ambassador, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
It follows intense scrutiny over his relationships with a series of controversial figures, including a convicted paedophile.
Prince Andrew has been dogged by accusations of a lack of judgment about his links with American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008.
Further doubts were raised about Andrew’s position after he entertained the son-in-law of ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at Buckingham Palace.
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He also held a meeting with Libya’s leader Colonel Gaddafi while on a private visit to Tunisia in 2008.
But when criticism first surfaced in March, he received the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne.
Andrew has been the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment since 2001, travelling around the world to promote Britain’s business interests. However, the job is not an official Goverment role, which makes it unlikely he will be replaced.