Jeffrey Epstein blamed “Charles” on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role.
The convicted sex offender wrote "I assume he knows that this is Charles' doing" on 21 July 2011, the day it was announced that ex-duke would step down from the role.
His remarks followed a message from an associate, who said: "Lots of TV coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane.”
It is believed PA refers to the former prince Andrew.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. His role was to promote UK business interests abroad, but he came under growing pressure over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was jailed in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
On Tuesday, the government backed the Lib Dems’ attempt to force the public release of files related to his appointment for the job.
It came after Mr Mountbaten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the trade envoy.
The Independent has approached Buckingham Palace.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in his links with Epstein, and has rejected allegations that he made any personal gain from his trade envoy role.
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MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Key Points
- Epstein blamed 'Charles' on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role
- Epstein victims are being ignored while UK’s interests take priority, says ex chief prosecutor says
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘banned from horse riding’ by royal aides after arrest
- Epstein was trafficking women through British airports until 2019
- Recap: Sir Keir dodges calls to release flight logs related to Epstein
How Commonwealth nations hold the key to removing Andrew from the line of succession
07:46 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK government has said it will consider removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne after the police investigation into the former prince has concluded.
It is a move that will require the backing of the 14 other commonwealth countries where King Charles III is the head of state.
So far, it has got the approval of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who offered his support in a letter to Keir Starmer on Monday.
New Zealand leader Christopher Luxon followed suit hours later to say he would back any plans to exclude the former prince from the line to the British throne.
But Sir Keir Starmer’s government will still need the support of 12 other realms if he wants to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from eighth in line for succession.
The Independent’s Harriette Boucher has more:
How Commonwealth nations hold the key to removing Andrew from the line of succession
Recap: Epstein blamed 'Charles' on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role
07:00 , Rebecca WhittakerJeffrey Epstein blamed “Charles” on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role.
The convicted sex offender wrote "I assume he knows that this is Charles' doing" on 21 July 2011, the day it was announced that ex-duke would step down from the role.
His remarks followed a message from an associate, who said: "Lots of TV coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane."
It is believed PA refers to the former prince Andrew.
Watch: Kemi Badenoch says she's still a monarchist after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
06:30 , Rebecca WhittakerHow many police forces are investigating Epstein claims?
05:30 , Rebecca WhittakerNine police forces are probing Epstein-related allegations, with investigations ongoing against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has set up a national co-ordination group to support UK police services seeking information from overseas law enforcement.
An NPCC spokesperson said: “The national co-ordination group is working with the National Crime Agency to ensure specialist support for forces seeking information from overseas law enforcement agencies through approved channels.
“This will support forces to understand any potential impact arising from the millions of documents that have been made.
“It may take some time due to the volume of material and the complexity of international jurisdictions, but policing and its law enforcement partners are taking this matter extremely seriously, and will assess all information thoroughly.
“The sharing of documents related to oversees criminal investigations between law enforcement agencies in different countries is an extremely complex process, and not straight forward.”
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
04:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Watch: Ed Davey asks government to release logs of Epstein flights into UK
03:30 , Rebecca WhittakerEpstein victims are being ignored while UK’s interests take priority, says ex chief prosecutor says
02:30 , Rebecca WhittakerNazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor, has said that Jeffrey Epstein’s victims are being ignored in investigations as the state’s interests take priority.
“When the state is the victim, the state moves at pace. When women are alleged victims the state barely moves at all,” he told The Guardian.
“The view of the victims is that their suffering is not being treated by British police with the same urgency as the alleged offences against the interests of the state.”
Afzal said one woman had contacted him and alleged Epstein sent her to the UK, where she was attacked. He said: “They feel they have been ignored for years.”
“The hard stuff, that is the allegations of sexual assault and trafficking, nobody seems to be dealing effectively with that,” he added.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘banned from horse riding’ by royal aides after arrest
01:30 , Rebecca WhittakerRoyal aides warned the former prince it would be a “bad look” for him to be seen enjoying himself on horseback while under police investigation.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘banned from horseriding’ by royal aides after arrest
Recap: Sir Keir dodges calls to release flight logs related to Epstein
00:30 , Rebecca WhittakerSir Keir Starmer has dodged calls for a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein and his possible use of British airports to traffic girls into the country.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the Government to release all flight logs and documents regarding the paedophile financier.
It comes after former prime minister Gordon Brown wrote to six police forces demanding investigations into whether the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used jets, funded by the taxpayer, and RAF bases during his time as trade envoy to meet up with the convicted sex offender.
Watch: Lady Victoria Hervey slams 'sick and deranged hounding' of ex Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Wednesday 25 February 2026 23:30 , Rebecca WhittakerEpstein was trafficking women through British airports until 2019
Wednesday 25 February 2026 22:41 , Rebecca WhittakerAnalysis by The Times suggests Jeffrey Epstein was trafficking women through British airports, up until a month before he was arrested in 2019.
Booking records fuel receipts and flight logs, which have all be disclosed in the Epstein files, revealed the convicted sex offender flew in and out of Britain by private jet more than 60 times. He also booked commercial flights for young women.
Police are investigating whether victims were trafficked on Epstein’s private jet into UK commercial airports as well as some RAF bases.
Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
Wednesday 25 February 2026 22:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
Epstein blamed 'Charles' on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role
Wednesday 25 February 2026 21:50 , Rebecca WhittakerJeffrey Epstein blamed “Charles” on the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his trade envoy role.
The convicted sex offender wrote "I assume he knows that this is Charles' doing" on 21 July 2011, the day it was announced that ex-duke would step down from the role.
His remarks followed a message from an associate, who said: "Lots of TV coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane."
It is believed PA refers to the former prince Andrew.
Watch: Files related to former prince Andrew’s trade envoy appointment to be released
Wednesday 25 February 2026 21:30 , Rebecca WhittakerMedia warned not to approach Andrew's neighbours
Wednesday 25 February 2026 21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerMembers of the media have been warned not to approach Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's neighbours on the King's Estate.
Signs have appeared on properties close to Wood Farm at Wolferton, near King's Lynn, where the disgraced former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of improper conduct in public office on Thursday.
A sign states: "This is private property and no comment will be made to journalists.
"Photographers are also not permitted onto these private grounds of the Sandringham Estate.
"Please respect this decision."
Police apologise for 'inadvertently revealing information' during investigation
Wednesday 25 February 2026 20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Metropolitan Police has apologised to the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for “inadvertently revealing information” during its investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office, the force said in a statement.
Speaker says he gave information to police about Lord Mandelson ahead of arrest
Wednesday 25 February 2026 20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerCommons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said he passed information to the Metropolitan Police about Lord Peter Mandelson, after the peer claimed a “baseless suggestion” he was a flight risk had led to his arrest this week.
The former ambassador to Washington was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released on bail.
Lord Mandelson, who has been accused of passing sensitive information on to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary, has been bailed until May.
In a statement to the Commons, Sir Lindsay said: “Members will be aware of comments in the media regarding the arrest of Lord Mandelson.
“To prevent any inaccurate speculation I’d like to confirm that, upon receipt of information, that I felt it was relevant I pass this on to the Metropolitan Police in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility.
“It is regrettable this rapidly ended in the media.
“As this is a live investigation, members will understand… it would not be appropriate to make any further comment, and I’d like to caution members from doing so.”
Lord Mandelson was taken into custody after AndrewMountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week, also on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Duchess of Sussex meets injured teenagers evacuated from Gaza to Jordan
Wednesday 25 February 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochThe Duchess of Sussex looked emotional as she met a young man with shattered legs who was evacuated from Gaza to receive urgent care in Jordan.
Meghan told Jaber, 17, whose legs were held in place by a metal frame: “I’m so glad you’re getting the treatment that you need”, as he was assessed at the private Specialty Hospital in Amman.
The Sussexes are making a two-day visit to Jordan to learn more about the humanitarian effort to support the health and wellbeing of Syrians and Palestinians who have sought sanctuary in Jordan over the decades.
Dr Hamzeh Odeh, the emergency department manager at Specialty Hospital, said after the visit: “This is what you expect from war, they’re war injuries.
“But some of the injuries are not directly related to the war, it’s because of the lack of doctors, lack of medication.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘banned from horse riding’ by royal aides after arrest
Wednesday 25 February 2026 18:00 , Bryony GoochAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘banned from horse riding’ by royal aides after arrest
Watch: MPs make scathing comments in House of Commons about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged conduct
Wednesday 25 February 2026 17:00 , Bryony GoochPrince William told he is ‘doing a great job’ handling mouse sample during lab visit
Wednesday 25 February 2026 16:40 , Bryony GoochThe Prince of Wales was told there was a job going after he was praised for how he handled a mouse sample during a visit to a biomedical research centre.
Prince William spent Wednesday morning at the Francis Crick Institute, a leading biomedicine research centre in King’s Cross, central London, meeting brain researchers and A-level biology students ahead of the centre’s 10-year anniversary later this year.
After he was cheered on arrival by crowds of staff standing on the building’s many balconies, the prince, wearing a white laboratory coat, was given a tour of the institute’s electron microscopy facility which is used to study cells at the atomic level.
He was then shown how to prepare a mouse kidney cell sample to observe through a microscope by senior research scientist Dumisile Lumkwana and deputy lead of the facility Pippa Hawes.
As he was given explanations on how to prepare the sample, the prince joked: “Please don’t tell me this is like a really serious research project you’re doing.”
He added: “I’m not responsible for messing this one up.”
What have the Commonwealth countries said so far about removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession?
Wednesday 25 February 2026 16:20 , Bryony GoochHarriette Boucher reports:
In a letter to the British prime minister, Mr Albanese said: “In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.
“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.
“These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”
New Zealand’s prime minister joined Mr Albanese hours later to say he would support the UK government’s decision.
Mr Luxon said: “If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it.”
However, the deputy prime minister of New Zealand did not agree with the statements, telling local media it was not a priority for the country.
David Seymour said: “I think we've got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now.
"This guy's eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.
“So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that's probably a wee way down the list."
When asked about Australia's support, he said: “Good on them, they’ve obviously solved a few more problems.”
The Independent contacted government officials from the other 12 countries, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, but has not received a response on whether they would be supporting the move.
What approval does the UK government need to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession?
Wednesday 25 February 2026 16:00 , Bryony GoochHarriette Boucher reports:
Any changes proposed by the government would require an act of Parliament, and the support of the Commonwealth countries where the monarch is the head of state.
The 15 realms are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom.
Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government is "working at pace" to bring forward legislation on succession.
Every UK police probe into Epstein after bombshell files release
Wednesday 25 February 2026 15:40 , Bryony Gooch
Every UK police investigation into Epstein after bombshell files release
Sir Keir dodges calls to release flight logs related to Epstein
Wednesday 25 February 2026 15:20 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer has dodged calls for a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein and his possible use of British airports to traffic girls into the country.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the Government to release all flight logs and documents regarding the paedophile financier.
It comes after former prime minister Gordon Brown wrote to six police forces demanding investigations into whether the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used jets, funded by the taxpayer, and RAF bases during his time as trade envoy to meet up with the convicted sex offender.
In pictures: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Jordan.
Wednesday 25 February 2026 15:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Ed Davey asks government to release logs of Epstein flights into UK
Wednesday 25 February 2026 14:40 , Bryony GoochMeghan and Harry tour youth centre as part of Jordan trip
Wednesday 25 February 2026 14:20 , Bryony GoochHarry and Meghan toured a youth centre run by the social development organisation Questscope, which provides a number of activities from art and photography classes to music and sport, to engage the youngsters and help alleviate any mental health issues.
When they joined a group of young girls in an outdoor football class, a little girl came up to the duchess, who crouched down to speak to her through an interpreter asking her age and was told she was seven-years-old.
A member of Questscope staff said to the little girl, “You know Meghan?” but she promptly walked off and the duchess said with a smile: “So sweet, so confident – that’s what you’re instilling.”
Meghan seemed eager to give the football drills a go and tried passing the ball before she was joined by Harry for shooting practice, where she triumphed.
In pictures: Harry and Meghan play football at refugee camp in Jordan
Wednesday 25 February 2026 14:00 , Bryony Gooch
One-nil to Meghan after visit to refugee camp football class with Harry
Wednesday 25 February 2026 13:40 , Bryony GoochThe Duchess of Sussex was left with bragging rights when she scored a penalty and her husband’s shot was saved when they joined Syrian children at a refugee camp.
Meghan looked triumphant and threw her hands in the air after her right-footed strike beat a girl in goal when the couple visited a camp in Jordan, home to tens of thousands of displaced Syrians.
The couple have begun a two-day visit to learn more about humanitarian efforts by the Jordanian authorities and a range of agencies supporting the health and wellbeing of Syrians and Palestinians who have sought sanctuary in Jordan over the decades.
Analysis: Multiple police force involvement could hinder Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation
Wednesday 25 February 2026 13:20 , Bryony GoochRobert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution in the department of political science and school of public policy at UCL:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police, but they are not the only force looking into revelations from the millions of documents in the Epstein files. Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing in relation to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Metropolitan Police, Essex Police (for flights in and out of Stansted) and Surrey Police are also assessing claims. Some of those investigations are for possible trafficking into or outside the UK for sexual exploitation, which if proved would be offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The National Police Chiefs Council has announced a national group to support the investigating forces.
Police enquiries will inevitably take some time. In addition to the scale of the Epstein files, when looking for evidence of misconduct in public office, the police will want to search through UK government files.
Mountbatten-Windsor was trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. Much of the evidence is likely to be retrieved from his emails and the files of agencies like UK Trade and Investment, and government departments like the Department of Trade (now Business and Trade), the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and Number 10. Government record-keeping is not what it was, and records from that long ago will take time to find and produce.
Read more: Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'banned from horse riding' - report
Wednesday 25 February 2026 13:08 , Bryony GoochAndrew Mountbatten Windsor has reportedly been banned from horse-riding by royal aides who fear it would be a “bad look” while he is under investigation for misconduct in public office.
A source told The Sun: “Since his arrest last week he has been ordered not to go horse riding. It’s considered a bad look.
“They don’t think he should be seen grinning and smiling on his horse like he was in Windsor.
“But it was one of the few things he actually enjoyed doing so what on earth is he going to do with his time?”
The Independent has gone to Buckingham Palace for comment.
Watch: Lady Victoria Hervey slams 'sick and deranged hounding' of ex Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Wednesday 25 February 2026 13:00 , Bryony GoochWhy can’t MPs debate the future of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
Wednesday 25 February 2026 12:40 , Bryony Gooch
Why can’t MPs debate the future of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
Epstein victims are being ignored while UK’s interests take priority, says ex chief prosecutor says
Wednesday 25 February 2026 12:21 , Bryony GoochNazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor, has said that Jeffrey Epstein’s victims are being ignored in investigations as the state’s interests take priority.
“When the state is the victim, the state moves at pace. When women are alleged victims the state barely moves at all,” he told The Guardian.
“The view of the victims is that their suffering is not being treated by British police with the same urgency as the alleged offences against the interests of the state.”
Afzal said one woman had contacted him and alleged Epstein sent her to the UK, where she was attacked. He said: “They feel they have been ignored for years.”
“The hard stuff, that is the allegations of sexual assault and trafficking, nobody seems to be dealing effectively with that,” he added.
