MPs could still launch an investigation into the activities of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his capacity as a trade envoy, the chairman of the cross-party Business and Trade Committee has indicated, stressing that “nothing is off the table.”
Speaking on Monday, the committee chair said that while the royal’s role has previously been defended as ceremonial and promotional, scrutiny over his trade engagements and potential conflicts of interest remains possible.
“Our remit allows us to examine matters of public interest relating to trade and exports,” the chairman said. “If there are questions about transparency, accountability, or use of official resources, we are entitled to investigate.”
Speaking to the BBC, Liam Byrne said, “The committees not had a chance to reflect on these allegations because recess means Parliament isn’t sitting this week.
“My task this week is to make sure that the committee’s got options in front of them when they meet on Tuesday for how we might or might not take this investigation forward. Obviously, we can’t and don’t want to compromise a police investigation.
We’ve got quite strict rules about subdue to say and getting involved in things that may come before the cause, but this is obviously a matter of huge concern, and I’m going to make sure that my committee has got the full options available for how we take our investigations forward when they convene next Tuesday morning.
He added, “This is something we’re going to take acutely seriously, and I can guarantee you that MPs are not in the market for letting anything slip through the cracks. But you know.”
My job as the chair is to make sure that the options are on the table in front of them when we consider it next week when Parliament resumes,” Byrne concluded.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who represented the UK at international trade events, has faced media attention for the lack of parliamentary oversight over his visits, meetings, and business development activities abroad.
Some MPs have suggested that while the envoy role is unpaid, it carries influence and access to ministers and trade officials, raising potential governance questions.
The committee chair added that the inquiry could explore how trade envoys operate in practice, the reporting and accountability mechanisms in place, and whether any policy or ethical concerns warrant further parliamentary scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the royal’s office said that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “acts in the UK’s national interest, promoting British trade and exports at the invitation of ministers,” and that all activities were conducted in line with official guidance.
The Business and Trade Committee has the authority to call witnesses, request documents, and publish reports highlighting findings. While no formal inquiry has yet been announced, the comments signal that MPs are keeping the matter under active consideration.
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