Anti-monarchy campaigners from Republic have accused the late Queen Elizabeth II of nepotism following the publication of Government files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy.
The pressure group claims the newly released documents demonstrate the monarch prioritised her son's interests over the nation's.
Graham Smith, speaking on behalf of Republic, stated: "These latest files show the Queen lobbying for her son to be given a high-status role for which he was wholly unqualified and unfit."
Mr Smith added: "Why does the government give the royals what they demand? What possible reason was Andrew made a trade ambassador?
The anti-monarchy group Republic has demanded a major royal transparency overhaul after the Andrew files were released
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"The reason is pressure from the royals who put their own interests first."
Republic is demanding that members of the Royal Family be subjected to freedom of information legislation, arguing that their exemption from such laws is unjustifiable given their status as publicly funded figures.
Mr Smith said: "The royals have access and leverage, which together with unequalled secrecy raise serious questions about undue influence."
The campaign group maintains that the Queen, King Charles and Prince William have engaged in Government lobbying over many years, though specifics remain hidden from public view.
Republic is known for its planned protests during royal events | PAMr Smith continued: "Royal lobbying should be subject to the same rules of scrutiny as any other kind of lobbying. The Andrew affair makes that demand even more urgent."
The documents were made public after Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey submitted a request in February for all records connected to the establishment of the special representative for trade and investment position and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's subsequent appointment.
A ministerial statement addressing the released files is anticipated in Parliament this afternoon.
Correspondence from February 2000, exchanged between British Trade International's then-chief executive Sir David Wright and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, reveals the Queen was "very keen" for her son to assume "a prominent role in the promotion of national interests".
Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and subsequently released on investigation | REUTERSLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
A document dated 22/03/2000 between Sir Robin Janvrin, private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II , and Sir David Wright, chief executive of British Trade International (BTI), on the announcement of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy | LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARTYMountbatten-Windsor held the trade envoy position from 2001 until 2011.
Sir David Wright's memo explained that the Duke of Kent was due to step down from his trade responsibilities around April 2001, which would coincide neatly with the conclusion of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's active naval career.
The correspondence stated: "The Queen's wish is that the Duke of Kent should be succeeded in this role by the Duke of York."
Wright noted that the monarch believed "no other member of The Royal Family would be available" to take over from the Duke of Kent.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office but was released under investigation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.