Andrew, the BP Boss and a ete-a-Tete at the Palace

[cinrit]

Prince Andrew stepped down as the UK's trade envoy three years ago after a string of controversies, but he continues to take a close interest in British business interests overseas.  I hear that the Duke of York held a private meeting this week with the boss of BP, which is a huge investor in oil-rich Azerbaijan.

Coincidentally, the former Soviet state's billionaire dictator, Ilham Aliyev, enjoys a close relationship with Andrew (pictured right with Aliyev's wife, Mehriban).

Andrew met with BP chief executive Bob Dudley at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and a spokesman confirms the tête-à-tête took place, but refuses to say a word about what was discussed.

'We would not comment on the content of private meetings,' says the Palace official. 'However, it is well known that the Duke meets  regularly with CEOs, in line with his interest in and support for British business.'

More: SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE: Andrew, the BP boss and a tete-a-tete at the Palace | Mail Online

Cindy