UK urged to release files on former Prince Andrew’s trade role

LONDON — The U.K. government is being urged to publish documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy.

The opposition Liberal Democrats will put forward a motion in the U.K. parliament Tuesday requiring ministers to release files on the former prince’s appointment to the role in 2001, including those related to his vetting.

The U.K. government favors the publication of documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy, a government minister said Tuesday, though it would have to be careful not to prejudice the ongoing investigation into the former prince.

“Of course, the public have a right to see material that is relevant,” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the BBC.

A senior government official, granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the record, indicated the government is unlikely to block the Lib Dem motion, which will be debated in the House of Commons later Tuesday.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released under investigation on the same day.

The former prince has faced multiple allegations over his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including claims that he passed confidential documents to Epstein while he was serving as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. He has strenuously and repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He was stripped of his titles last year.

The U.K. royal — brother of King Charles III — held the role of special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011 after being appointed by the Labour government at the time.

The Liberal Democrat motion requests “all papers” relating to the creation of the role and Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to the role. It also requests documents relating to advice provided to the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair “regarding the suitability of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for the appointment, due diligence and vetting conducted in relation to the appointment, and minutes of meetings and electronic communications regarding the due diligence and vetting.”

It also asks for correspondence from Peter Mandelson, a former trade secretary, relating to the appointment to be released. The Telegraph newspaper last week reported Mandelson pushed for Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to the trade envoy role.

Mandelson was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation. He has not commented on the police investigation, but has previously said he was wrong to have continued his association with Epstein, and apologized “unequivocally” to Epstein’s victims.

Mandelson was appointed U.K. ambassador to Washington by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024 before being sacked in September 2025 after emails emerged showing he sent supportive messages to Epstein while the financier was facing charges for soliciting a minor in 2008.

Phillipson indicated Tuesday that the government might not be able to release files on Mountbatten-Windsor if they prejudice the police investigation into the former prince.

U.K. officials are already preparing to release a tranche of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador.

The opposition Conservatives successfully used a parliamentary motion to demand files on the vetting process for Mandelson’s appointment and contact with senior government figures. Ministers have similarly warned they will not be able to release files which might prejudice that ongoing police investigation.

Sam Blewett contributed to this report.