Over the years, researchers and journalists have repeatedly requested access to official files relating to Prince Andrew’s time as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade & Investment (2001-2011). These documents include his travel records, correspondence, meeting logs and other aspects of his public-role activities. However, under UK public-records and freedom-of-information rules, some royal-associated records enjoy extended secrecy. Specifically, files about certain senior royals (including Prince Andrew) are exempt from general access and are to remain sealed for 105 years after the individual’s birth — in Andrew’s case meaning his records will largely stay private until 2065.
The result has sparked considerable controversy. Critics argue the blanket sealing amounts to a lack of transparency and accountability given Andrew’s taxpayer-funded public role, while defenders cite national-security, diplomatic-confidentiality and royal-protocol justifications. The secrecy has been described by some as “dubious” in its application of the Freedom of Information Act and other archival laws, especially when open-government norms would favour release after 20 years.
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