Police have issued a major update over their searches of Royal Lodge following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Thames Valley Police confirmed searches had concluded at the ex-prince’s former residence of Royal Lodge in Berkshire.
They added their investigation is “ongoing” but said any updates are “unlikely to be for some time”.
It comes after the government backed the Lib Dems’ attempt to force the public release of files related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy.
During the debate, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant slammed the ex-prince as “arrogant and entitled”.
The former prince was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. He was later released under investigation.
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.
On Monday, Lord Peter Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. On Tuesday, his lawyers released a statement saying the arrest followed “baseless” claims he was planning to flee the country.
How Commonwealth nations hold the key to removing Andrew from the line of succession
Lady Victoria Hervey slams ‘sick and deranged hounding’ of ex Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Police end searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Key Points
- Searches at Royal Lodge conclude after ex-prince's arrest
- MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
- Updates in investigation 'unlikely to be for some time', police say
- Recap: Ex-prince's arrest picture hung in the Louvre
- Recap: Australia and New Zealand back calls to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Watch: Files related to former prince Andrew’s trade envoy appointment to be released
10:16 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Harry and Meghan on two-day Jordan visit
10:03 , Bryony Gooch
How many police forces are investigating Epstein claims?
09:37 , Bryony GoochNine 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.”
Every UK police investigation into Epstein after bombshell files release
Analysis: Vagueness of charge could complicate Mountbatten-Windsor investigation
09:17 , Bryony GoochRobert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution in the department of political science and school of public policy at UCL:
The offence Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is being investigated for – misconduct in public office – is famously vague. This complicates the task for the prosecution, who will have to devote more time and effort to understanding the elements of the offence, and then ensuring that they can prove each element.
Misconduct in public office is not set out in an act of parliament, it is an offence under the common law. The public office (accountability) bill (also known as the Hillsborough law) currently going through parliament is meant to give it a statutory definition.
But that will be too late for any prosecution of Mountbatten-Windsor, which will have to be for the common law offence, developed in a series of court judgements going back centuries.
In 2004, the court of appeal reframed the law, summarising four elements of the offence. It must be committed by:
- A public officer, acting as such, who
- wilfully misconducts himself
- to such a degree as to abuse the public’s trust in the office holder
- without reasonable excuse or justification.
Readers must judge for themselves whether this makes the offence any less vague. In careful understatement, the Crown Prosecution Service guidelines state that “the offence should be strictly confined, and it can raise complex and sometimes sensitive issues”.
Read more: Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
09:01 , Bryony GoochJeffrey Epstein may have played a role in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor becoming a UK trade envoy, a shadow minister has suggested, as the government agreed to release the bombshell documents related to his appointment.
On an unprecedented day in parliament that saw MPs from all sides line up to admonish the former prince, Conservative minister Alex Burghart said it was “possible to identify the hand of Epstein” in Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to the role back in 2001.
Millie Cooke, The Independent’s political correspondent, reports:
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Harry and Meghan invited to Jordan by WHO director-general
08:46 , Bryony GoochThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial freedom, travelled to Jordan at the invitation of the WHO’s director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The director general warmly welcomed the couple on the steps of the WHO’s country office in the Jordanian capital Amman, kissing and hugging the duchess who wore a white jacket and matching trousers and also embracing the duke.
During their two-day visit the Sussexes will meet Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, engage with WHO teams, visit frontline health and mental health programmes and meet World Central Kitchen staff co-ordinating food relief for Gaza from Amman.
They will also visit the social development organisation Questscope’s youth centre to hear from young people participating in creative and wellbeing programmes.
Sussexes start two-day Jordan visit with roundtable summit on refugees’ needs
08:30 , Bryony GoochThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex have begun a busy two-day visit to Jordan by sitting down with key figures working to support the humanitarian needs of refugees in the country and wider region.
Meghan and Harry joined a roundtable discussion hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with individuals from leading bodies like the United Nations and many of its agencies, diplomatic representatives, and donors.
MPs call for release of files around Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's trade envoy appointment
08:15 , Bryony GoochMPs are calling for the release of files related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a special representative for trade and investment. He held the post between 2001 and 2011.
The Government agreed but warned it would be unable to publish material that police need for their inquiries until officers are “satisfied”.
And one of Sir Keir Starmer’s ministers took aim at Mr Mountbatten-Windsor in the Commons on Tuesday, calling him a “rude, arrogant and entitled man” who was on a “constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle”.
What is the latest in the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal?
08:06 , Bryony GoochThames Valley Police announced last night that they had concluded their search of the Royal Lodge after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday last week.
They added their investigation is “ongoing” but said any updates are “unlikely to be for some time”.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to face questions from MPs in the Commons for the first time since the arrest of Lord Peter Mandelson on Monday, who was taken into custody 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.
MPs have backed the release of files related to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a special representative for trade and investment, a post he held between 2001 and 2011.
How Commonwealth nations hold the key to removing Andrew from the line of succession
07:31 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe 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.
More here.
How Commonwealth nations hold the key to removing Andrew from the line of succession
Watch: MPs make scathing comments in House of Commons about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged conduct
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAustralia backs growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand have joined growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
The former prince was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Fresh documents shed light on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with the convicted sex offender in January as part of a two-million-document tranche from the US Department of Justice.
More here.
Australia backs removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'banned from horse riding'
06:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been banned from horse riding following his arrest last week.
Before relocating to Sandringham three weeks ago, Andrew was often seen riding through the grounds of Windsor.
But he has now been advised against continuing the routine near Wood Farm, where the risk of being photographed is significantly higher.
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?”
What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office over claims he leaked confidential documents to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday, on his 66th birthday, following allegations uncovered in the latest tranche of the Epstein files, that the former prince had shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
But what could happen next in the investigation? The Independent’s Holly Evans reports:
What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
Police end searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSearches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, Royal Lodge, have now ended, Thames Valley Police said.
Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, spending 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Detectives continued to search his former home in Windsor, Berkshire, over the weekend and into Monday.
More here.
Police end searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home
Full report: Mandelson’s lawyers claim police arrest was over ‘baseless’ claim he planned to leave UK
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson’s lawyers have said the former cabinet minister was arrested after what they said was a “baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country”.
The ex-Labour grandee was released on bail in the early hours of Tuesday morning after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which followed claims he leaked sensitive UK government information to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
You can read more from The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin below:
Mandelson’s lawyers claim arrest was over ‘baseless’ claim he planned to leave UK
Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFollowing the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for possible misconduct in public office, both the palace and the government will be hoping that his case might be brought to a swift conclusion.
But Robert Hazell says there are three main reasons why this may be unlikely. You can read more below:
Three issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against Andrew
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJeffrey Epstein may have played a role in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor becoming a UK trade envoy, a shadow minister has suggested as the government agreed to release the bombshell documents related to his appointment.
In an unprecedented day in parliament that saw MPs from all sides line up to admonish the former prince, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant described Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as “a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest”.
MPs unanimously supported a motion to release files related to his appointmentto the trade envoy role, waving it through without a vote after the government backed the Liberal Democrat-led calls to publish the papers, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Mandelson.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has this report:
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Comment: The Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Recap: Ex-prince's arrest picture hung in the Louvre
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCampaign group Everyone Hates Elon say they hung a photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor taken after his arrest in the Louvre.
An individual was filmed hanging a picture of the former prince, taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation, in the Paris museum.
How the former Prince Andrew could be removed from Britain's line of succession
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIt's been 90 years since a British royal was removed from the line of succession. That might happen again now that Britain's government says it will consider introducing legal changes to formally remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the list of royals in line to the throne.
Despite being stripped of his status as prince in October over his close links with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the former Prince Andrew, King Charles III's younger brother, remains eighth in line to become monarch.
Experts say the process of removing him from the line of succession could be lengthy because it requires the involvement of about a dozen countries that also call the British monarch their head of state.
Nonetheless, momentum for change appears to be building after police last week arrested Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
But how would removing him from the line of succession work? You can read more below:
How the former Prince Andrew could be removed from Britain's line of succession
Watch: BBC Olympics report interrupted by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
Tuesday 24 February 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Australia and New Zealand back calls to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Tuesday 24 February 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand have joined growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese wrote in a letter to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer that Australia took the “grave allegations” against the former Duke of York seriously.
A spokesperson for Christopher Luxon, the country’s prime minister, said: “If the UK government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it.”
Editorial: MPs must move quickly to make the Andrew files public
Tuesday 24 February 2026 21:39 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Updates in investigation 'unlikely to be for some time', police say
Tuesday 24 February 2026 21:20 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have said any updates in their investigation into alleged misconduct by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are “unlikely to be for some time”.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Thames Valley Police said officers had finished searches at Royal Lodge and would continue to probe the allegations.
“It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work,” assistant chief constable Oliver Wright said.
“We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.”
Searches at Royal Lodge conclude after ex-prince's arrest
Tuesday 24 February 2026 21:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSearches at Royal Lodge have now finished following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, police have confirmed.
In a statement, officers said: “Thames Valley Police can confirm the searches in Berkshire in connection to its investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office have now ended.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case and our investigation remains ongoing.
“It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work. We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.”
It’s up to William and Kate to rebuild royals’ integrity after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal, PR expert says
Tuesday 24 February 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Prince and Princess of Wales face taking on the of rebuilding the “integrity of the royal family” damaged by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, a PR expert has said.
Future monarchs William and Kate will need to make their vision for the institution, now in what some have suggested is its worst crisis for 90 years, clear in order to rebuild public trust.
It comes after Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday following the Epstein scandal that simmered for years.
You can read more below:
William and Kate have task of rebuilding royal family’s integrity, says PR guru
Mandelson's lawyers ask Metropolitan Police to for 'evidence relied upon to justify the arrest'
Tuesday 24 February 2026 20:42 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLawyers acting on behalf of Lord Peter Mandelson have asked the Metropolitan Police to provide the evidence they relied upon to arrest the ex-Labour peer.
In a statement, Mishcon de Reya said the arrest had followed “baseless” claims he was about to leave the country.
“We have asked the MPS for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest,” the statement continued.
“Peter Mandelson's overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.”
Ex-prince 'left early' and 'showed no interest' when meeting young Sea Cadets, MP recalls
Tuesday 24 February 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAt the despatch box on Tuesday, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant described Andrew as “a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle”, and “a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest”.
He recalled Mr Mountbatten-Windsor visiting the Sea Cadets in Tonypandy, in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“They were absolutely delighted and excited to meet a member of the royal family,” Sir Chris said.
“But he insisted on coming by helicopter, unlike his mother, who came twice to the Rhondda and always came by car. He left early and he showed next to no interest in the young people.”
Recap: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
Tuesday 24 February 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTaxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, emails suggest.
Two royal protection officers appear to have been told to act as doormen at the paedophile financier’s seven-floor Manhattan mansion in 2010, after he had been convicted of a child sex offence.
The officers, given the job of protecting the prince, were staying at the multimillion-pound townhouse on 71st Street during the royal’s trip to visit his friend, according to emails unearthed in the latest tranche of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin has this report:
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
Almost 60 UK royals have been arrested – and Charles I was not the last since Andrew
Tuesday 24 February 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother to King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in office has come as a shock to many. Numerous articles in diverse media have described the arrest of a member of the royal family as “unprecedented”.
It has been argued that the last royal arrest was that of King Charles I (reigned from 1625 to 1649) by parliamentary forces in 1646. This episode famously ended with Charles’s execution in 1649. But although royal arrests had dwindled by the 17th century, Charles I’s was not the last.
You can read more below:
Almost 60 UK royals have been arrested – and Charles I was not the last since Andrew
Mandelson asks journalist 'who is behind this?' following arrest, reports say
Tuesday 24 February 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson reportedly texted a journalist and asked “who or what is behind this?” following his arrest on Monday.
Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Emily Maitlis said a journalist told her they had received a text from Lord Mandelson reading: "Despite previous agreement between police and legal team over voluntary interview in early March, police arrested me because they claimed... that I was about to flee to the British Virgin Islands and take up permanent residence abroad, leaving Reinaldo, my family, home and Jock behind me.
“I need hardly say complete fiction. The police were told only today that they had to improvise an arrest.
“The question is, who or what is behind this?"
Watch: Virginia Giuffre's family 'celebrated' after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
Tuesday 24 February 2026 18:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Mandelson arrest followed 'baseless' flee claims, lawyers say
Tuesday 24 February 2026 18:26 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson’s lawyers Mishcon de Reya have released a statement on the ex-Labour peer’s arrest on Monday, saying it followed “baseless” claims he was about to flee the country.
“Peter Mandelson was arrested yesterday despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis,” it said.
“The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion.
“We have asked the MPS for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest. Peter Mandelson's overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.”
You can read the full report from Whitehall editor Kate Devlin below:
Mandelson’s lawyers claim arrest was over ‘baseless’ claim he planned to leave UK
Officials feared Andrew would ‘damage’ Britain’s reputation as trade envoy, MP says
Tuesday 24 February 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOfficials worried “arrogant” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “would do damage” to Britain’s reputation while working as a trade envoy, a Liberal Democrat MP has claimed.
Monica Harding, told the Commons the former prince stayed in his post for 10 years despite having a “reputation that preceded him” while concerns were “met with a shrug”.
Her comments came as ministers agreed to release files related to the appointment of the royal to the envoy role after he was released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office last week.
Prior to entering politics, Ms Harding worked as the director of communications at the British Council, with Andrew having visited as a trade envoy.
“Before his arrival, senior staff in both the embassy and the British Council were rolling their eyes – his reputation preceded him,” the MP for Esher and Walton said.
“I was told it was a containment exercise, that overseas missions feared putting him out there in case he said something inappropriate, that he was arrogant and that he wasn’t on top of the detail of his brief.
“Rather than looking forward to his visit as an opportunity to play up Britain, instead, it was thought that he would do damage.”
She also said the former prince “smeared” the work of British scientists on Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, as being “rubbish”, at an exhibition she had organised.
One member of staff was left “deflated and didn’t understand why this representative of the British state diminished what she was rightly proud of”, Ms Harding said.
Questions about Andrew’s trade envoy role spark calls to widen FOI laws
Tuesday 24 February 2026 17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneQuestions about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a special envoy have sparked calls to apply freedom of information laws to the royal family.
Members of the public have a general right to access information which public authorities hold, but communications related to the royal family or royal household are exempt.
Speaking in the Commons, Green Party MP Sian Berry suggested the carve-out could be abused to evade legitimate scrutiny, if ministers were to appoint members of the royal family to government-linked roles.
“Transparency about workings of an organisation is a key way to prevent corruption,” Ms Berry said.
“Sunlight really is the best disinfectant.”
Turning to the exemption, the MP for Brighton Pavilion said: “Now, that really is one rule for the rich and powerful and one rule for the rest of us.”
She later told MPs: “I believe this is a serious transparency loophole for royals that must be closed.
“For example, it could mean that if positions such as trade envoy are filled by members of the royal family, it would be predictably significantly harder for the press, public and MPs to make sure things are above board, and much harder to get details when things go very, very badly wrong.”
Ms Berry said the exemption had allowed the royals’ “power to act in the shadows, concealing important truths from MPs and the public”.
The MP later told the Press Association she is considering a bid to remove the exemption, either by tabling her own Bill or trying to amend a future piece of legislation.
Kemi Badenoch says she’s still a monarchist despite Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
Tuesday 24 February 2026 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch has praised the royal family for its response to the scandal engulfing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as she said they were in a “very difficult” position.
In an interview with The Independent, the Tory leader, who described herself as a monarchist, also said the King had led on the issue “in an exemplary fashion”.
You can read The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin’s exclusive interview below:
I’m still a monarchist despite Andrew scandal, Badenoch says
Comment: It’s time parliament put away the humble address for another 151 years
Tuesday 24 February 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
It’s time parliament put away the humble address for another 151 years
Minister warns Commons to expect '25-year-old' documents in hard copy
Tuesday 24 February 2026 16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSpeaking in the Commons on Tuesday afternoon, Sir Chris Bryant said he wants to “manage people’s expectations” about how quickly the papers on Andrew can be released, due to the age and quantity of the material, and the live police investigation.
He said: “It’s worth bearing in mind that the documents that might be envisaged in this are mostly 25-years-old. Some of them are a bit earlier. They may be substantial in number and many of them will be in hard copy.”
The minister later added: “I am slightly trying to manage people’s expectations about timeliness, partly because of the quantity of material, and because there is a live police investigation, and I just don’t want to jeopardise that.”
Inside Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's role as trade envoy
Tuesday 24 February 2026 16:27 , Harriette BoucherAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment in 2001 after retiring from the Royal Navy.
He was handed the role by Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour government and received the backing of Conservatives and Labour figures, despite controversy around the appointment and his suitability for the job.
The then-prince stepped down from the role in 2011.
Reports from the time said that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as trade envoy was plagued with controversy, with calls for his resignations in March 2011 over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who had been jailed for sex offences.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor did not receive a salary, but did have expenses paid for.
It was alleged this week that he used taxpayers’ money for massages and excessive travel costs during his time as the UK’s trade envoy, according to claims made by retired civil servants.
His expenses-paid delegations also earned him the nickname ‘Air miles Andy’.
When asked in 2011 what Mr Mountbatten-Windsor contributed to the role, former prime minister David Cameron’s spokesman said that many UK businesses supported the work he had done over recent years.
“We saw trade as an important part of our Growth Strategy and the Prime Minister had been clear that the whole of Government needed to support British business in promoting exports to other countries. We thought that Prince Andrew had made a valuable contribution in this area.”
Government 'working at pace' to bring forward legislation on succession
Tuesday 24 February 2026 15:59 , Harriette BoucherTrade minister Sir Chris Bryant said the Government is "working at pace" to bring forward legislation on succession, amid calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to lose his right to the throne.
Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne, and an Act of Parliament would be required to prevent him from ever becoming king.
Sir Chris told the Commons: “We are working at pace on this, and we intend to be able to bring forward legislation where we can."I can't commit to a particular date on that.
“But I note that Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music sang 'I have confidence that spring will come again', and so I have confidence that the act of succession will come round at pace.”
At the conclusion of the debate, MPs approved a Liberal Democrat motion which called for the release of documents relating to the former prince's appointment as a trade envoy.
Papers on ex-prince to be released 'as soon as possible within the law'
Tuesday 24 February 2026 15:54 , Harriette BoucherAll papers relating to Andrew’s appointment as the UK’s trade envoy in 2001 will be released "as soon as is practicable and possible within the law", Sir Chris Bryant has said.
Earlier the trade minister said he wants to “manage people’s expectations” about how quickly material about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be released.
“I want to make sure that we move as fast as we possibly can, but I also want to make sure that justice does happen, and I don’t want to do anything that would undermine the police investigations. I hope that they will be able to move as swiftly as possible and we will certainly co-operate with them as swiftly as possible.
“It’s worth bearing in mind that the documents that might be envisaged in this are mostly 25-years-old. Some of them are a bit earlier. They may be substantial in number and many of them will be in hard copy.”
Lib Dems motion passed without vote
Tuesday 24 February 2026 15:50 , Harriette BoucherThe Lib Dems motion calling for all papers relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as UK trade envoy has passed without a vote.
MPs unanimously backed the move tabled in the Commons on Tuesday, which means the government is obliged to comply with it.
Sir Chris Bryant said the government would release the files "as soon as is practicable and possible within the law".
MPs to begin gathering information on trade envoy role 'immediately'
Tuesday 24 February 2026 14:53 , Harriette BoucherA potential parliamentary inquiry into the trade envoy system cannot begin until legal proceedings against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have concluded, according to the business and trade committee chairman.
Liam Byrne said the committee would "begin gathering information immediately so that we might stand ready to launch an inquiry into the governance regime for trade envoys at the moment the police and criminal justice system action has concluded".
The committee will write to ministers on the issue "and we will come back to the House with our opinion about whether an inquiry should be launched, depending on the information we receive,” he said.
'The web of abuse surrounding Epstein and his associates must be brought to book', says Maskell
Tuesday 24 February 2026 14:49 , Harriette BoucherRachael Maskell has called for a judge-led enquiry to “ensure that the multiple strands of this global network of power are brought into account”.
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, she said: “The web of abuse surround Epstein and his associates must be brought to book.
“And Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as a known associate, must be also held to account in his role as a special trade envoy and for his associations too.”
The MP for York Central said it was not just Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as trade envoy that needed to be looked at, but also his ten years in the role.
King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Tuesday 24 February 2026 14:30 , Harriette Boucher
King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
