Ex-Diplomat Recalls Prince Andrew Trade Envoy Experiences

A former British diplomat has recounted his experiences working with Prince Andrew during the royal's tenure as UK trade envoy, describing him as cocky and his staff as petrified.

Simon Wilson, who served as deputy ambassador to Bahrain from 2001 to 2005, shared his observations in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. He organized several visits for Andrew, who held the unpaid position from 2001 to 2011 to promote British business interests, particularly in the Gulf region. Wilson first met Andrew years earlier in Lisbon, when the prince was a naval officer, and noted his cocky demeanor even then.

Initial optimism surrounded the appointment, with Foreign Office officials hoping Andrew's royal status would facilitate ties with Gulf royal families. However, Wilson said problems arose immediately. "We started to get reams of instructions about his likes and dislikes in terms of food, that he didn't drink alcohol, tea or coffee, but would drink still water, room temperature, no ice," he recounted.

Wilson highlighted a stark difference in how Andrew's entourage operated compared to those of other senior royals. "One thing that was noticeable, which I didn't encounter with any other...