Prince Andrew to resign

Prince Andrew is to stand down as Britain’s trade envoy as he attempts to rebuild his reputation following embarrassing disclosures about his links with unsuitable friends.

But it is not quite as straight- forward as that. Though he plans to give up the title of the UK’s “Special Representative”, he still intends to continue travelling the world for Britain.

I understand the Prince is set to make an announcement about his future in the next few days. He has, I am told, already informed the Queen and consulted Downing Street about his intentions.

His decision follows the storm that broke earlier this year over his friendship with American billionaire and convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, as well as WikiLeaks revelations that questioned his abilities as a global ambassador.

As I reported in April, Andrew will focus on home-based trade matters. This will see him become a figurehead in the Government’s drive to increase the number of apprenticeships for young people in British industry.

Last month, his former adviser and one-time CBI chief Lord (Digby) Jones said the time was right for Andrew to stand down.

“With No 10 keen to develop the skills agenda and Andrew determined to use the knowledge he has built up over many years in his trade role, this seems the most sensible way forward,” I am told. In February and March, MPs were queuing up to demand that the Prince be stripped of his envoy role, not just because of Epstein, but also over his relationship with key figures in tyrannical regimes.

Andrew resisted the storm, but, after consulting widely, has accepted that after a decade in the job, it’s time for a change. At the same time his critics will be placated. He’ll continue to represent Britain abroad, but as other members of the Royal Family do.

He developed the title of Special Representative himself after he took over the role from the Duke of Kent following his retirement from the Royal Navy.

“He will continue to bang the drum for UK plc, but it will be in terms of promoting business opportunities here, especially in the science and engineering fields,” says a source. - Daily Mail