CHN: Prince Andrew Visits Beijing Pictures & News Photos | Getty Images (http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=520227385&EditorialProduct=Royalty)
Cindy
QuoteNow Andy Is Flying the Flag Over China
When Prince Andrew gave up his role as the UK's trade envoy three years ago following a string of controversies, it was assumed his days of official foreign travel would be over.
But the Duke of York has continued to take a close interest in British business interests overseas, albeit without the grand title of UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
I understand Andrew made the ten-and-a-half-hour flight to Beijing last Friday to undertake two days of official engagements, which included opening a school campus, hosting a technology discussion and meeting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
'The engagements correspond to core areas of His Royal Highness's work in the UK,' his spokesman tells me. 'The call upon Premier Li reflects a shared interest in economic relations between Britain and China, in line with the Duke's broader commitment to economic growth and the creation of skilled jobs in the UK.'
More: SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE: Now Andy is flying the flag over China | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2810407/SEBASTIAN-SHAKESPEARE-Andy-flying-flag-China.html)
Cindy
With the trade role ending for Andrew his new focus appears to be technology and students.