A former British diplomat has criticised Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's behaviour during his time as a Government trade envoy.
Simon Wilson, who held the position of deputy ambassador to Bahrain between 2001 and 2005, worked alongside Mr Mountbatten-Windsor throughout the latter's decade-long stint promoting British commerce abroad.
Speaking about his impressions, Mr Wilson said: "I have to say I was a little bit surprised about how sort of cocky he was."
When Mr Mountbatten-Windsor assumed the unpaid trade envoy position in 2001, Foreign Office staff were hopeful the appointment would strengthen ties with Gulf Royal Families.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been labelled 'cocky' by a former British diplomat
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In an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Mr Wilson claimed: "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 added: "One thing that was noticeable... was that his staff seemed to be petrified of him."
Mr Wilson claimed there was a stark contrast between Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's entourage and those serving other senior royals.
Private secretaries to other members of the Royal Family were typically "very proud" of their roles and enjoyed overseas travel, he explained.
Andrew was trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 | GETTYMr Wilson referred to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's staff, claiming: "You really got the impression that they were really uncomfortable all the time, treading on eggshells, didn't want to put a foot wrong."
The former diplomat suggested that embassy personnel responsible for organising visits were similarly cautious, with Mr Wilson claiming they too were "treading on eggshells" throughout the arrangements.
Despite the position carrying no salary, according to Mr Wilson, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor travelled with a substantial entourage whose expenses required payment.
Mr Wilson further alleged that he refused commercial aviation, even when offered first-class seats, insisting upon private aircraft instead.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor accompanied by his then-Private Secretary, Amanda Thirsk, in 2018
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He claimed that rather than staying at ambassadorial residences, which would have cost nothing, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor selected the most opulent hotels available.
The former diplomat expressed surprise that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor remained in the role for 10 years, given the persistent problems.
Despite the controversial claims, various politicians defended Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's work record in the past.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and then-Chancellor George Osborne in 2015
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Former Chancellor George Osborne stated that "he's done a good job in recent years", adding that he had "promoted British exports".
Then-Foreign Secretary William Hague also remarked that the King's brother was representing Britain "very well".
GB News has contacted Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for comment.