THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: LONDON: Prince Andrew's role as Britain's special trade representative is to be downgraded as ministers seek to distance themselves from his controversial dealings with discredited business figures.Ministers have been alarmed by the prince's links with Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire US financier who served a prison sentence for soliciting an under-age girl for prostitution. The Mail on Sunday reported that the FBI is to reopen its investigation into Mr Epstein over allegations of his involvement with under-age girls. At the same time it has emerged that the Duke of York sought Mr Epstein's financial assistance to help his former wife stave off bankruptcy.
Amid growing unease in Downing Street and ministerial circles at the conduct of the Queen's second son, ministers indicated at the weekend that a review of the Duke of York's role would be used to lower his profile.
One cabinet minister said that a hard-headed assessment would be made during a ''tasking review'', which is held every six months to assess the prince's work as Britain's special trade representative. >>> Nicholas Watt | Tuesday, March 08, 2011
THE TIMES – LEADING ARTICLES: Undiplomatic Envoy: Prince Andrew’s friendship with a convicted US financier is an embarrassment. He should resign as a trade envoy >>> | Monday, March 07, 2011 [£]
