UK government supports disclosure of files linked to Prince Andrew’s envoy role

Keir Starmer’s government has expressed support for releasing official documents related to the former trade envoy role of Prince Andrew, as scrutiny intensifies in the wake of fresh developments tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

The move comes after US authorities published a vast trove of records connected to Epstein, prompting renewed political and public pressure in Britain. The disclosures have fuelled calls for greater transparency and triggered two separate police investigations involving prominent figures.

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a parliamentary motion seeking the publication of vetting documents concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as UK trade envoy, a position he held from 2001 to 2011. The former royal was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, while King Charles III has stated that the legal process should proceed without interference.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described the controversy surrounding Andrew and former minister Peter Mandelson as damaging to the country’s reputation, arguing that transparency is necessary to restore public trust.

Mandelson, a long-time figure in British politics and formerly the UK ambassador to Washington, was arrested this week as part of a separate misconduct investigation also linked to Epstein. His appointment had already sparked political backlash, leading to the resignation of two senior aides and raising questions over government judgment.

Cabinet Office minister Chris Bryant told parliament that the government backs releasing documents from Andrew’s appointment under then-prime minister Tony Blair. He said such transparency was owed to Epstein’s victims, but cautioned that any disclosures would need to align with ongoing police investigations to avoid compromising them.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, is being investigated over allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as envoy. He has denied wrongdoing in relation to the late financier.

Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who died last year, had alleged she was trafficked to Andrew on multiple occasions when she was a teenager. In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in the United States without admitting liability.

The current parliamentary motion, known as a humble address, follows a similar move that successfully compelled the release of documents concerning Mandelson’s 2024 diplomatic appointment. The government has indicated it intends to begin publishing the first batch of Mandelson-related files in early March, though officials stress that police guidance will determine what can be made public.

Neither Andrew nor Mandelson has been formally charged.