Andrew’s time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable

Former Liberal Democrat leader and ex-Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable has called for a full investigation into the decade-long period Prince Andrew served as the UK’s official trade envoy. Sir Vince argued that parliamentary or independent scrutiny is necessary regarding the actions undertaken and the relationships forged during the former Prince’s tenure as the Special Representative for International Trade and Investment (SRITI).

The call for an inquiry focuses on the period between 2001 and 2011, during which Andrew travelled globally promoting British business interests. Sir Vince stated that the former Prince’s alleged conduct while holding the diplomatic post was “totally unacceptable” and demanded that an appropriate body examine the full scope of his activities, particularly concerning high-profile international contacts.

The role of SRITI often involved blurring the lines between traditional royal duty and commercial lobbying, a function critics suggest may have provided cover for controversial associations. The demand for clarity follows years of public controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an affiliation which ultimately led to the Duke of York stepping back from royal duties and relinquishing his military titles.

Sir Vince’s intervention pushes the issue of royal accountability firmly into the political sphere, urging clarity on whether the trade representative function was misused or compromised by his personal dealings. While the government has historically resisted formal inquiries into royal conduct, the continued political pressure highlights the need for transparency concerning the utilization of state resources during the Prince’s controversial period of public service.