'Absolutely rotten': UK Government releases bombshell new Andrew files

Historian and royal biographer Andrew Lownie has slammed newly released documents about Prince Andrew as “absolutely rotten”. "The whole thing I have to say is absolutely rotten," Mr Lownie said, speaking on a recent episode of the YouTube show The Royals Uncensored. "We do need to get to the bottom of it – 15 million pounds of taxpayer's money was spent on Andrew when it was often counterproductive." The files, released on Thursday, reveal concerns raised by British diplomats during Andrew’s time as the UK’s trade envoy. One diplomat wrote in 2000 that the Duke of York preferred visiting “more sophisticated countries” and “should not be offered golfing functions abroad”. The documents, released after an opposition request, show Queen Elizabeth II was “very keen” for her son to take the role. As trade envoy, an unpaid role, Andrew travelled extensively while meeting senior figures in business and government. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied allegations of wrongdoing and has not been charged with any criminal offence.