MP apologises live on air over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor comments amid arrest scandal
Ed Davey previously made gushing remarks about Andrew in 2012MP Ed Davey has apologised for past comments he made regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following the royal’s recent arrest.
Andrew, King Charles’ younger brother, was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
The arrest comes at a time of intense scrutiny over Andrew’s past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Hours after his arrest, Andrew, 66, was released under investigation. Days on, the arrest remains a hot topic of conversation.
On Tuesday, leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, addressed the royal scandal on BBC Breakfast.
Allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
On Tuesday’s edition of BBC Breakfast, host Sally Nugent was quick to grill Mr Davey on his past comments regarding Andrew’s role as UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew served as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. However, that role has now come under scrutiny following the US Department of Justice’s recent release of millions of Epstein files.
Following the release of files, Andrew faced allegations that he shared sensitive and confidential documents with Epstein about his work as trade envoy in 2010.
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Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive, commercial, or political information.
Royal Insider previously contacted representatives for Andrew for comment on these allegations.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured in the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Ed Davey apologises over Andrew comments
On BBC Breakfast, Sally asked Mr Davey about his past remarks in which he called Andrew an “excellent” trade envoy.
At the time, Mr Davey was business minister. Speaking in 2012, Mr Davey said: “I for one believe that the Duke of York does an excellent job.
I’m really sorry I said those words. I didn’t know what we know now.
“He’s had long-standing success in the role, representing the continued interest by the royal family in supporting British business and international trade and investment.
“Since taking on this role, the Duke of York has built a substantial network of contacts at high level in both government and business overseas.
“These linkages help the duke make a major impact in a range of markets around the world. Many who have worked with the duke have found he’s a real asset for our country in supporting UK business.”
Speaking to Sally on Tuesday, Mr Davey said: “I’m really sorry I said those words. I didn’t know what we know now.
“But I want to apologise unconditionally. I’m particularly thinking about those women who may have heard those words who were victims of Epstein.
Read more: ‘Concerns’ over King Charles after brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
“It was wrong but I didn’t know what we know now.”
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