Emails in a recent tranche of files released in the United States suggest that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, forwarded official British trade documents to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. The messages imply the reports were sent to Andrew in relation to a trip he undertook in an official trade envoy capacity and were later shared with Epstein.
The 65-year-old former prince has been the subject of long-running public scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein. That association previously led to the withdrawal of his royal duties, the stripping of his title and the loss of his official residence. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not replied to requests for comment following the most recent publication of files.
The leaked emails appear to show copies of reports covering countries including Vietnam and Singapore, among other locales, being sent on to Epstein. The documents were reportedly ones Andrew received in his role as a government envoy and then forwarded to the late sex offender, according to the material in the released files.
Police responses have been limited. The Metropolitan Police did not immediately reply to inquiries about whether they would open an investigation into the alleged sharing of government information by Andrew. Separately, Thames Valley Police said last week they were reviewing a fresh allegation linked to Andrew that concerns a woman being taken to an address in Windsor, a review undertaken in light of the new Epstein files.
Guidance for trade envoys normally prohibits disclosure of sensitive or commercially sensitive documents. Such confidentiality rules are intended to prevent the dissemination of information provided to representatives travelling on official business.
The revelations contained in the latest file release have had broader political consequences. Over the course of the past 10 days, disclosures from the same materials have presented a major challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. The same set of files suggest that Mandelson, an acquaintance of Epstein, also shared government documents from 2009 and 2010 with Epstein. Police are reported to be investigating allegations of misconduct in public office related to those claims.
Andrew, who is the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth, was obliged to step back from official royal duties in 2019. In the previous October, King Charles removed his title of prince. In recent days he was relocated from his royal residence. The combination of police reviews, the apparent forwarding of trade reports and unfolding political ramifications has kept the situation under close public and official attention.
Summary
Emails released in the United States indicate Andrew forwarded official UK trade reports he received as an envoy to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. The disclosures have prompted police reviews and contributed to a political controversy involving senior British figures.
Key points
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to have sent trade reports on countries including Vietnam and Singapore to Jeffrey Epstein after receiving them in an official capacity.
- The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the former prince, who had already lost royal duties, titles and his residence amid the broader Epstein scandal.
- Related disclosures have created a political crisis for the prime minister after an appointee, Peter Mandelson, was also implicated in sharing government files; police are investigating potential misconduct in public office.
Risks and uncertainties
- Uncertainty over whether the Metropolitan Police will open a formal investigation into Andrew's alleged sharing of government documents - potential implications for public trust and legal outcomes.
- Ongoing police reviews, including the Thames Valley Police inquiry into a new allegation, create continued reputational and legal risk for the individuals involved.
- Political fallout from the file releases has already affected senior appointments and may continue to pressure government operations and appointments.