UK lawmakers consider probe into Andrew over Epstein leaks

16:57

By: Dakir Madiha

UK lawmakers consider probe into Andrew over Epstein leaks

British lawmakers are weighing a possible parliamentary inquiry into the decade Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor served as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy, following newly released US Justice Department files indicating he may have shared confidential government briefings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Liam Byrne, chair of the cross party Business and Trade Committee, told reporters that no option was off the table as members prepare to decide next week whether to launch a formal investigation. The move would mark a significant escalation in scrutiny of the former prince, who is already subject to a police assessment over potential misconduct in public office.

Emails reviewed by the BBC, ITV News and other outlets among millions of pages of Epstein related records suggest that in 2010 Andrew forwarded official UK government reports to Epstein while serving as special representative for international trade and investment. The correspondence included summaries of official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in China.

In one instance, documents sent to Andrew by his special adviser Amit Patel were reportedly passed on to Epstein within minutes of receipt. On 24 December 2010, Andrew emailed what he described as a confidential briefing outlining investment prospects in gold and uranium in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, then under British military oversight and funded by UK taxpayers.

Additional emails obtained by the BBC indicate that Andrew also shared sensitive information concerning the Royal Bank of Scotland, which at the time was majority owned by the British public, including critical remarks about its chief executive Stephen Hester. He is also said to have relayed details about internal disputes at luxury carmaker Aston Martin.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing allegations of misconduct in public office and has consulted specialists at the Crown Prosecution Service. Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the review involves specific complexities and does not automatically mean a formal criminal investigation will follow.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement in which King Charles expressed deep concern over the allegations involving his younger brother. A palace spokesperson said the royal household would cooperate with Thames Valley Police if requested.

Separately, ITV News reported that more than a dozen emails show discussions between Epstein, Andrew and their mutual adviser David Stern about forming a business partnership while Andrew was still serving as trade envoy. In one message, Stern proposed discreetly incorporating Andrew and leveraging his “aura and access,” while Epstein would determine investment decisions.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Epstein arranged meetings for Andrew during an official trade visit to China in September 2010, including a dinner at the St Regis hotel in Beijing with JP Morgan banker Jes Staley.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025 and vacated Royal Lodge, has denied wrongdoing in connection with his association with Epstein.