Diplomat Says Prince Andrew Left Staff ‘Petrified’
Prince Andrew has been accused of creating a tense working atmosphere during his years as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment, after a former diplomat described staff around him as “petrified” during overseas visits.
Simon Wilson, the former deputy ambassador to Bahrain, said that what began as optimism about the Duke of York’s status opening doors in the Gulf quickly became difficult, and The News International reported that Wilson recalled “reams of instructions” about Andrew’s preferences, including that he did not drink alcohol, tea or coffee and would only have still water at room temperature with no ice.
Wilson said he was “a little bit surprised about how sort of cocky he was” and claimed officials felt they were “treading on eggshells” while organising engagements. He also alleged that Andrew travelled with a large entourage whose expenses had to be covered despite the trade envoy role being unpaid.
In Wilson’s account, Andrew refused to fly on regular commercial services, even in first class, and would only travel on private planes. Wilson also described Andrew as “rude and arrogant” and claimed diplomats used an unflattering nickname for him, allegations that echo past scrutiny of the Duke’s conduct and working relationships, including claims that he tried to bypass palace staff by arranging tea with Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Andrew served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, and the latest claims relate to that period rather than his current public role, which has been significantly reduced in recent years. Neither Buckingham Palace nor representatives for the Duke were quoted responding to Wilson’s remarks in the report.
