Starmer Backs Disclosure of Andrew Files
The government of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to release documents related to the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy, following growing scrutiny over his past ties to U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes after Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles III — was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in more than 300 years. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has previously expressed regret over their friendship.
Parliamentary Debate and Calls for Reform
The arrest prompted heated debate in the UK Parliament, with several lawmakers questioning whether the longstanding parliamentary convention that prevents criticism of the royal family should be abolished.
Brendan O’Hara, a Member of Parliament from the Scottish National Party, criticized the rule as outdated and undemocratic, stating that no one should be above the law regardless of rank or privilege.
The Speaker of the House of Commons allowed discussion of Mountbatten-Windsor on the grounds that he is no longer a working member of the royal family, having been stripped of his titles.
Allegations Over Confidential Information
Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. The unpaid role involved international travel and meetings with senior business and political leaders.
The police investigation began after the U.S. government released emails last month that appeared to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing official trade documents with Epstein in 2010. Trade envoys are typically prohibited from distributing such confidential materials.
Chris Bryant, a junior trade minister, strongly criticized Mountbatten-Windsor during the debate, accusing him of acting in his own private interest rather than serving the public. Bryant described him as “rude, arrogant and entitled,” and claimed he had engaged in self-promotion and personal enrichment during his tenure.
Government Backs Release of Documents
The Liberal Democrats pushed for the release of the appointment documents through a parliamentary mechanism known as a “humble address.” The government ultimately supported the motion, which passed unanimously in Parliament.
However, Bryant noted that officials would first need to ensure that releasing the documents would not interfere with the ongoing police investigation.
The publication of the vetting files could potentially embarrass members of former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government, under which Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed, as well as members of the royal family. Analysts describe the situation as one of the most serious crises facing the monarchy in nearly a century.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not made any public statement since the U.S. government released more than three million pages of documents related to Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
