On February 24, 2026, the UK government confirmed it would back a Liberal Democrats motion to release documents related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2001 appointment as a trade envoy.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant told the House of Commons that the government would comply with the “humble address” motion in full, supporting transparency regarding the former prince’s role.
During the debate, Bryant described the former prince as a “rude, arrogant and entitled man” who operated on a “self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle” and failed to distinguish between public and private interests.
While the government supports the release, Bryant warned that documents required by the police for their ongoing investigation will not be made public until officers are satisfied that doing so will not prejudice legal proceedings.
The former prince was arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was subsequently released under investigation.
The investigation centers on allegations that he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein during his decade-long tenure as trade envoy (2001–2011).
The move for transparency follows the arrest of Lord Peter Mandelson on February 23, 2026, also on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to the Epstein case.
Following his arrest, the British government is reportedly considering legal changes to formally remove him from the line of succession to the throne.
By Anthony Solly
