Jet-setting Prince Andrew, who has been appointed as a "roving ambassador" for British industry when he leaves the Navy, is to be "kept on a tight rein" by ministers to ensure that there is no conflict between his personal interests and his official role.

A government source said that there was no way that the government would "let British trade policy be determined by the location of the world's best golf courses."

Prince Andrew is taking over the role of special representative for British Trade International from his cousin, the Duke of Kent, who has carried out the role - without controversy - for nearly 25 years.

Former Northern Ireland secretary, Peter Mandelson, has entered the debate about the role of royals by backing the proposed post for Prince Andrew, arguing that a royal association can help achieve results in overseas foreign markets, "which is of immense value to the economy of the country".

The fall-out from the Countess of Wessex's revelations to an undercover reporter continued yesterday, with culture secretary Chris Smith giving his backing to growing parliamentary calls for a register of royal interests. The Commons Public Administration committee is considering an inquiry into the role of the crown and its prerogatives.

A poll in the Mirror finds that 69 per cent of readers want the monarchy to be abolished, but one in the Express gives only 22 per cent support for abolition.

The Express publishes the results of a survey which shows that Sophie Rhys-Jones has the support of readers to carry on working.