Police have reportedly launched a full investigation into Prince Andrew—also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—over his role as the UK’s former trade envoy, following fresh allegations linked to newly released Jeffrey Epstein files.
The development comes after more than three million Epstein-related documents were released online, with some reportedly naming Prince Andrew. Detectives are now assessing whether he could be investigated for misconduct in public office over claims that he forwarded confidential UK government reports to Epstein while representing Britain abroad.
Police chiefs are also examining allegations that a woman was allegedly sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew at his Windsor residence by Epstein, who died in a US prison cell in 2019.
Adding to the pressure, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, stated that Prince Andrew is “not above the law.”
On Sunday, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: “The Epstein revelations are hugely damaging to public trust in our institutions. It’s clear Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor abused his position as trade envoy, sharing sensitive information about the UK’s interests with his friend, and convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.
The police are rightfully looking into this as we need full transparency to get justice for the victims of this abhorrent abuse. That must also include a public inquiry.”
Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his remaining royal titles in 2024, served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. The role allowed him to travel globally at public expense and gave him access to senior political and business figures.
According to documents reportedly released by the US Department of Justice, Prince Andrew—alongside figures such as Peter Mandelson—is alleged to have forwarded sensitive official documents to Epstein. These reportedly include confidential briefings on the Icelandic financial crisis and information related to the taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland.
The files also suggest that Prince Andrew allowed Epstein to arrange meetings for him during an official trade mission to China in 2010 and that he socialised with a Chinese model during the trip. In another instance, he allegedly attempted—unsuccessfully—to arrange a meeting between Epstein and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Senior Conservative MP Alex Burghart said:
“Leaking sensitive Government information is incredibly serious, and these latest reports are extremely concerning. No stone should be left unturned.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel added on GB News: “Everyone that’s been involved should be subject to the right kind of inquiries and police investigations.”
Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who previously called for Prince Andrew to be stripped of his Duke of York title, said a full investigation was essential if classified information had been leaked.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Stephen Parkinson reiterated: “Nobody is above the law. It’s my job to enforce the law without fear or favour and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned”
