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UK Government Supports Release of Prince Andrew’s Epstein Docs
The UK government backs the release of documents on Prince Andrew’s role as trade envoy, as the Epstein scandal widens. Calls for transparency grow with police probes into high-profile political figures.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-24
UK Government Supports Release of Prince Andrew’s Epstein Docs

The UK government has confirmed its support for the release of documents concerning Prince Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy, a role he held from 2001 to 2011. This comes amid growing pressure to release information about the royal’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the scandal involving the financier continues to unfold.

The release of millions of documents related to Epstein by US authorities last month has sparked a wave of scrutiny across British political and royal circles, intensifying calls for transparency from both the public and political leaders.

On Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats party put forward a motion in Parliament to compel the government to release vetting documents related to Prince Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy under Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair. The motion follows the arrest of the former prince last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with allegations that he shared sensitive documents with Epstein during his time as envoy.

The motion gained further momentum after Andrew’s association with Epstein resurfaced, alongside the arrest of former government minister Peter Mandelson, who was questioned by police on Monday in a separate misconduct investigation. Mandelson’s links to Epstein have also become a point of contention, with political fallout leading to resignations from two of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s top aides.

Liberal Democrats Push for Transparency

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey described Andrew's and Mandelson’s ties to Epstein as a “stain” on the country’s reputation, demanding full transparency to “clean away that stain with the disinfectant of transparency.” His remarks were echoed by MPs, including Minister Chris Bryant, who said the government should release the documents as “the least we owe the victims” of Epstein.

However, Bryant cautioned that the release of documents would be contingent on police guidance to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations.

Epstein’s Alleged Influence

Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, has been embroiled in a long-standing scandal over his association with Epstein. Virginia Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide in 2023, accused Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was trafficked by Epstein. In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre without admitting liability.

The allegations against Andrew include claims that he had sex with Giuffre on multiple occasions in 2001 when she was 17, an accusation that has heavily tarnished his public image. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, including claims of sharing sensitive information during his tenure as trade envoy.

Mandelson's Controversial Appointment

Peter Mandelson, a key figure in the Labour Party, was arrested on Monday as part of the same investigation into Epstein’s network. Mandelson served as the UK’s ambassador to the United States until his sacking in 2024, following revelations about his deep ties to Epstein. The scandal over Mandelson’s appointment as envoy has caused significant political fallout, with some questioning Prime Minister Starmer’s judgment in approving Mandelson’s posting.

Mandelson, who was released on bail earlier this week, has apologized for his past association with Epstein but insists he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities, despite Epstein’s 2008 conviction for child prostitution.

Government Response

Minister Bridget Phillipson told the press that the government would "push ahead" with the release of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, scheduled for early March. However, she also noted that the police investigation might influence which documents could be made public.

In a broader context, the UK government’s move to support the release of these documents signals a shift towards greater transparency, especially as public scrutiny continues to mount regarding the extent of Epstein’s influence on powerful political and royal figures.

Both Mandelson and Andrew have denied any criminal charges related to Epstein, and no formal charges have been brought against either individual at this stage. However, the investigations and the public demand for transparency show no sign of slowing down, as the full extent of Epstein’s network and its ties to political figures remains under scrutiny.
Tagged:

UKPolitics

Transparency

EpsteinScandal

PrinceAndrew
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