The Lib Dems said they will seek to force the public release of files relating to Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy on Tuesday.
The party will table a humble address in the Commons – the same arcane mechanism the Tories used to press for the release of files on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador – in a bid to compel the government to disclose information about Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has said it would support the British government if it proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
New Zealand's backing comes after Australia’s prime minister wrote to Sir Keir Starmer saying his government would support "any proposal" to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
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.
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.
Read MoreAustralia backs growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
New Zealand would support removal of Andrew from line of succession
Why can’t MPs debate the future of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
Hang it in the Louvre: Why ex-Prince Andrew’s taxi photo is so dangerous for the royal family
Key Points
- New Zealand says it would back removal of Andrew from line of succession
- Timeline of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
- Recap: Australia supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should not face 'trial by media', says Nigel Farage
Ed Davey caught by his own support for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
09:21 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
The leader of the Lib Dems Sir Davey had a series of awkward exchanges with Nick Robinson on the Today Programme over the way he personally supported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy as a business minister during the coalition government.
The Lib Dems today will be trying to take the high moral ground with their humble address trying force the publication of papers relating to the former prince’s appointment and work as a trade envoy.
But Sir Ed found himself having to apologise during the interview on the Radio 4 flagship programme for his words in a 2012 debate called by the late Labour MP Paul Flynn raising concerns about the Royal family member.
In the debate Sir Ed said: "I for one believe that the Duke of York does an excellent job as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment
“He's had long-standing success in the role, representing the continued interest by the Royal Family in supporting British business and international trade and investment.”
He chided Mr Flynn for bringing the debate just a few days after the Royal wedding of Prince William and Princess Katherine.
He said: “I think his timing is particularly inappropriate, four days after the royal wedding when I believe the whole country showed the support they give to the Royal Family and all its members.
“I'm proud to be here supporting the role of His Royal Highness tonight.”
Kemi Badenoch says she’s still a monarchist despite Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
09:17 , Harriette BoucherKemi 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”.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week and later released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing. It followed allegations uncovered in the so-called Epstein files that Mr Mountbatten Windsor had shared sensitive information with the disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
As she praised the King, she criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s response to the allegations that emerged about Labour grandee Peter Mandelson and his connections to Epstein.
“If you can compare the King's behaviour with something affecting his family, his own brother - complete transparency,” she said.
“On the government side, it's been hiding papers (and) saying what a great guy Peter Mandelson was, as the prime minister did six months ago when I first confronted him with these allegations.”
The Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin has the story:
I’m still a monarchist despite Andrew scandal, Badenoch says
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
09:06 , Shaheena UddinAmy-Clare Martin, The Independent’s crime correspondent, reports:
Taxpayer-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.
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
Analysis: A humble address in Parliament on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor makes life awkward for Labour
08:58 , Harriette BoucherAnalysis by The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox:
The decision by the Lib Dems to turn their opposition day motion on to publishing papers on the appointment and work of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor as a UK trade envoy makes life complicated for the Labour government.
Essentially it means that if it is passed the vote is binding on the government and they will have to produce the papers which go back years and cover a significant period.
We saw the same tactic used by the Tories in forcing the government to publish the papers on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US last year.
This parliamentary mechanism was rediscovered during the Brexit negotiation years following the referendum to force the hand of Theresa May’s government and then of the one led by Boris Johnson.
No wonder education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s response was nervous over whether the government will accept the Lib Dem motion on Mr Mountbatten Windsor and his previous role.
While she refers to not wanting to prejudice criminal investigations there will also be further details about what minister knew of the Jeffrey Epstein affair.
The appointment was also made and encouraged by a previous Labour government led by Tony Blair.
Watch: Infamous photo of Andrew’s arrest hung in Louvre by protesters
08:48 , Shaheena UddinCommittee of MPs considers launching probs into role of trade envoys after Andrew arrest
08:36 , Shaheena UddinAn influential group of MPs is considering launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The business and trade committee will discuss its options today amid the police investigation after allegations were made against the former prince following the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It is understood that any inquiry would look at potential governance issues within the wider system and lessons to be learned, avoiding specific commentary on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings.
MPs could also consider looking more broadly at the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys at the meeting.
The Committee will have a private discussion before its chair, Liam Byrne, gives a public statement on its decision at around 2.30pm.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Ed Davey regrets praising Andrew for his trade envoy role
08:27 , Shaheena UddinSir Ed Davey has said he regretted praising Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his role as trade envoy when the Liberal Democrat leader was a minister in the coalition government.
Sir Ed was asked by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about praise he gave to the then-prince in a parliamentary debate in 2011 while he was a trade minister, and replied: “First of all, can I apologise to all those victims of Epstein who may have read those words and been upset by them. I really regret them.”
He later added: “We do need to make sure that whatever someone’s title and their friends, they can be held to account.
“So, I’ve learned from that, I’m pretty angry to be honest that I was put in that position, and I think anyone who has had any comment to make on Prince Andrew as trade envoy over the years will be pretty angry that the trust that was put in him, the privileged position he had, he absolutely betrayed.”
Sir Ed also told the BBC his party was calling for the release of documents relating to Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy because “we need to go right to the moment when he was appointed, and then we can answer the questions about how he conducted that role”.
He added: “What we’re asking today is to make sure all the documents about the vetting, the due diligence, ministerial correspondence, is in the public domain, and I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Lib Dems to try and force release of papers relating to Andrew's trade envoy appointment
08:00 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The Lib Dems will table a humble address in the Commons today – the same arcane mechanism the Tories used to press for the release of files on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador – in a bid to compel the government to disclose information about Andrew, who served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
If the motion succeeds, the government will be forced to release papers relating to Andrew’s appointment to the post, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Mandelson.
Minister won't say if government will back Lib Dem attempt to release Andrew's files
07:45 , Shaheena UddinEducation secretary, Bridget Phillipson would not reveal whether the Government will support a forthcoming Lib Dem attempt in Parliament to compel ministers to disclose information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
“We’ll review what they are asking for and will set our approach later on in Parliament,” she said.
Ms Phillipson was questioned on whether the government would support removing Andrew from the royal line of succession.
“We’re ruling nothing out and that is definitely an option that we would want to keep under consideration”, she said.
Andrew ‘used taxpayers’ money for massages while trade envoy
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly 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.
The BBC reported that one ex-civil servant initially refused to cover the cost of a massage for Andrew but was overruled by senior staff. They told the broadcaster: "I thought it was wrong… I’d said we mustn’t pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway."
A former Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, separately told the BBC they had "absolutely no doubt" about the claim’s authenticity, having seen similar expenses for his overseas trips.
More here.
Andrew ‘used taxpayers’ money for massages while trade envoy’
Recap: Government 'not ruling out' removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from succession
07:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe government is “not ruling out” action to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
The King’s brother is currently eighth in line to the throne.
Chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told MPs on Monday: “I understand there’s been a high level of public interest in the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last Thursday and what may follow.
“The Government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course.
“It is vital, however, that we first allow the police to carry out their investigations.
“I know they will have the full support of the Government, and I’m sure this House, as they do so.”
Mr Jones said he will come back to MPs with further updates on wider reforms regarding “standards, lobbying, transparency and the removal of peerages”.
New Zealand says it would back removal of Andrew from line of succession
06:55 , Sonal HayatNew Zealand has indicated its readiness to support the UK Government should it move to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
The development follows his arrest last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
New Zealand says it would back removal of Andrew from line of succession
Australia 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
Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home for 22 years as police search properties after his arrest
06:00 , Rebecca Whittaker Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew’s home for 22 years as police search homes after arrest
Protesters hang photo of Andrew leaving police station in the Louvre
05:31 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarCampaign group Everyone Hates Elon says 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 Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation, in the Paris museum.
More here.
Photo of Andrew leaving police station hung in Louvre
King's visit will highlight how justice seen in UK not US, says Geordie Greig
05:00 , Rebecca WhittakerLib Dems to seek public release of files related to Andrew
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Liberal Democrats will seek to force the public release of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy.
The Lib Dems will table a humble address in the Commons — the same arcane mechanism the Tories used to press for the release of files on Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador — in a bid to compel the government to disclose information about Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
The motion will call for the release of papers relating to Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment to the post, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Mandelson.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The public is rightly demanding to know how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed to represent our nation in a high-level trade role.
"The Liberal Democrats are moving a binding motion to force the government to come clean."We need to see the vetting files, the due diligence reports, and the correspondence to understand how this appointment came to be, and whether glaring warning signs were missed."There's also a much broader principle at stake here. No one, regardless of their title or their friends, should be beyond the scrutiny of parliament
."It is time to end the age of impunity, scrap rules that stifle scrutiny or debate, and ensure that everyone in public office - no matter how powerful - can be held properly to account.
"Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAmy-Clare Martin, The Independent’s crime correspondent, reports:
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
UK police says Mandelson released on bail in probe into Epstein ties
03:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPolice in the UK said Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, has been released on bail after he was arrest in an Epstein files misconduct probe.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement: "A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.
"He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and was taken to a London police station for interview.
"This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas. We are not able to provide further information at this stage to prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation."
Timeline of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
03:00 , Rebecca Whittaker30 January - US Department of Justice releases a tranche of two million Epstein files mentioning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and other high profile figures.
9 February - Republic CEO Graham Smith files report with Thames Valley Police against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for misconduct in public office following allegations in the tranche.
19 February - Thames Valley Police arrest Mr Mountbatten Windsor on his 66th birthday and open an investigation on suspected misconduct in public office.
He is released after 11 hours of investigation.
20 February - Thames Valley Police say searches in Berkshire, where Royal Lodge is, are ongoing and would likely to be ongoing until Monday.
23 February - Retired civil servants tell the BBC that the then-prince allegedly used public money for massages and excessive travel costs.
One former civil servant told the broadcaster they had initially refused his request to pay for “massage services”, but was overruled by more senior staff.
Recap: Australia supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession
02:00 , Rebecca Whittaker- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
- The arrest took place on his 66th birthday, with officers searching his Sandringham Estate home before he was released under investigation.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to Sir Keir Starmer, stating his government would support any proposal to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession.
- Mr Albanese cited "grave allegations" that Australians take seriously, agreeing that the law must take its full course.
- Retired civil servants also alleged that Andrew used taxpayer money for massages and excessive travel costs during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Country supports removing Andrew from royal line of succession
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein allegations
01:00 , Rebecca Whittaker Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
Watch: Infamous photo of Andrew’s arrest hung in Louvre by protesters
00:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAustralia supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession
Monday 23 February 2026 23:00 , Rebecca Whittaker Country supports removing Andrew from royal line of succession
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should not face 'trial by media', says Nigel Farage
Monday 23 February 2026 22:30 , Rebecca WhittakerNigel Farage said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “looks to have done some terrible things” but should not face “trial by media”.
“Mountbatten-Windsor looks to have done some terrible things, but they have not yet been proven,” Mr Farage said.
“I don’t think we should allow trial by media. I don’t think we should convict anybody or pass parliamentary legislation until the police have finished their jobs, and possibly the courts too.
“I do believe in due process, and I do believe that people are innocent until they’re found guilty.”
Lib Dems seek to force release of files on Andrew’s trade envoy job
Monday 23 February 2026 22:00 , Becky WhittakerThe Liberal Democrats will seek to force the public release of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy.
The Lib Dems will table a humble address in the Commons in a bid to compel the Government to disclose information about Andrew, who served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
The motion will call for the release of papers relating to Andrew’s appointment to the post, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Mandelson.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The public is rightly demanding to know how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed to represent our nation in a high-level trade role.
“The Liberal Democrats are moving a binding motion to force the Government to come clean.
“We need to see the vetting files, the due diligence reports, and the correspondence to understand how this appointment came to be, and whether glaring warning signs were missed.
“There’s also a much broader principle at stake here. No one, regardless of their title or their friends, should be beyond the scrutiny of Parliament.
“It is time to end the age of impunity, scrap rules that stifle scrutiny or debate, and ensure that everyone in public office – no matter how powerful – can be held properly to account.”
Watch: PM confirms government are considering succession of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Monday 23 February 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Timeline of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Monday 23 February 2026 20:00 , Bryony Gooch30 January - US Department of Justice releases a tranche of two million Epstein files mentioning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and other high profile figures.
9 February - Republic CEO Graham Smith files report with Thames Valley Police against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for misconduct in public office following allegations in the tranche.
19 February - Thames Valley Police arrest Mr Mountbatten Windsor on his 66th birthday and open an investigation on suspected misconduct in public office.
He is released after 11 hours of investigation.
20 February - Thames Valley Police say searches in Berkshire, where Royal Lodge is, are ongoing and would likely to be ongoing until Monday.
23 February - Retired civil servants tell the BBC that the then-prince allegedly used public money for massages and excessive travel costs.
One former civil servant told the broadcaster they had initially refused his request to pay for “massage services”, but was overruled by more senior staff.
How the royal family is weathering its worst crisis in 90 years
Monday 23 February 2026 19:00 , Bryony Gooch How the royal family is weathering its worst crisis in 90 years
Watch: Labour 'not ruling anything out' over removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Monday 23 February 2026 18:00 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Police officers enter a van at the entrance to the Royal Lodge
Monday 23 February 2026 17:30 , Bryony Gooch Every UK police probe into Epstein after bombshell files release
Monday 23 February 2026 17:00 , Bryony Gooch Every UK police investigation into Epstein after bombshell files release
Government 'not ruling out' removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from succession
Monday 23 February 2026 16:48 , Bryony GoochThe government is “not ruling out” action to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
The King’s brother is currently eighth in line to the throne.
Chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told MPs on Monday: “I understand there’s been a high level of public interest in the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last Thursday and what may follow.
“The Government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course.
“It is vital, however, that we first allow the police to carry out their investigations.
“I know they will have the full support of the Government, and I’m sure this House, as they do so.”
Mr Jones said he will come back to MPs with further updates on wider reforms regarding “standards, lobbying, transparency and the removal of peerages”.
Are other forces probing the royal’s links to Epstein?
Monday 23 February 2026 16:30 , Bryony GoochSenior reporter Holly Evans reports:
On Friday, the Metropolitan Police urged Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former bodyguards to “consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard” is relevant to their inquiries.
The Met - which is responsible for providing police protection to members of the royal family - said they were identifying and contacting former and serving close protection officers of the former Duke of York, urging them to share any information that could assist with the investigation.
Met detectives are also working with authorities in the US to establish whether London airports were used to “facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation”, after former prime minister Gordon Brown called for police to “urgently” re-examine claims that women, or girls, were trafficked to the UK by Epstein aboard flights to Stansted.
In a statement, the force said: “The Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
“They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.
“While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction.”
Inside the police operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Monday 23 February 2026 16:00 , Bryony Gooch Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Starmer: Government 'must let police investigation run its course' before looking at succession
Monday 23 February 2026 15:40 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer has confirmed the Government is looking at options to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, but has affirmed that the police must be allowed to investigate without any interference.
He said: “It’s important that we let the police investigation run its course but I can tell you that the Government is looking at options in relation to succession. I think it’s important that we do that with all options on the table.
“But it is important now the police have started that investigation, that they go with that investigation and go wherever the evidence leaves them
“We fully support them with that. But on the question of succession, yes we are considering what measures can be taken, but that would have to be after a police investigation.”
Full Statement: Anthony Albanese supports calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to
Monday 23 February 2026 15:20 , Bryony Gooch"Dear Prime Minister Starmer, 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."
Australia supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession
Monday 23 February 2026 15:00 , Bryony Gooch Country supports removing Andrew from royal line of succession
Geordie Greig: King’s dignity will shine on US tour
Monday 23 February 2026 14:45 , Bryony Gooch King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Listed: The line of succession to the British throne
Monday 23 February 2026 14:30 , Bryony GoochVoices: Why ex-Prince Andrew’s taxi photo is so dangerous for the royal family
Monday 23 February 2026 14:15 , Bryony Gooch Why ex-Prince Andrew’s taxi photo is so dangerous for the royal family
In pictures: Fire truck drives through entrance of Wood Farm on Sandringham Estate
Monday 23 February 2026 14:00 , Bryony Gooch Watch: King's dignity will shine through on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Monday 23 February 2026 13:45 , Bryony GoochWould Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's royal status protect him?
Monday 23 February 2026 13:30 , Bryony GoochHolly Evans, senior reporter, reports:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former royal status and his position as the King’s brother would not provide him with any legal immunity from the criminal justice system.
If he were to be charged with misconduct in public office, the case would proceed through the courts in the same manner as usual.
Mountbatten-Windsor should not face 'trial by media', Farage says
Monday 23 February 2026 13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “looks to have done some terrible things” but should not face “trial by media”.
It comes after Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he would back any UK government plan to remove Andrew from the line of succession.
“Mountbatten-Windsor looks to have done some terrible things, but they have not yet been proven,” Mr Farage told broadcasters.
“I don’t think we should allow trial by media. I don’t think we should convict anybody or pass parliamentary legislation until the police have finished their jobs, and possibly the courts too.
“I do believe in due process, and I do believe that people are innocent until they’re found guilty.”
Government considering 'further steps' after receiving letter from Australia
Monday 23 February 2026 12:54 , Bryony GoochAthena Stavrou, political reporter, reports:
The government confirmed it had received a letter from Australia about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s place in the line of succession, and said it was considering whether to take “further steps”.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese wrote to Sir Keir Starmer to express support in any decision made to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
Asked about the letter, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “The government has received the letter.
“We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and we are not ruling anything out.
“But given the ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.”
Badenoch: Department for Business and Trade should open files on Andrew
Monday 23 February 2026 12:45 , Bryony GoochThe Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor if they relate to “allegations of misconduct in public office”, Kemi Badenoch has said.
The Conservative leader, a former business secretary, was asked if she would support the department opening its files on Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
She said: “I’m quite sure that the police will be asking for those files in due course. If they haven’t already, there should be full transparency. As trade secretary, I know that the trade envoy rule is quite a low level role. Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.”
Mrs Badenoch was also asked if she supported calls from her Tory colleague Tom Tugendhat for a special parliamentary committee aimed at investigating Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson’s links to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
She said it was important to allow the police investigation into Andrew to “run its course”, and added: “It is extraordinary that right now the King has allowed the law to run its course while the Prime Minister is not releasing any files. He sacked the cabinet secretary who was overseeing the release of the files. Parliament has a duty to make sure that the Government is held to account.
“We should not allow what’s happening with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from the fact that the Prime Minister himself has a lot of questions to answer.”
Downing St: Special committee to investigate Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson up to Parliament
Monday 23 February 2026 12:41 , Bryony GoochDowning Street said it was up to Parliament whether a special committee should investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Asked about calls for a committee to investigate the matter, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This is a matter for Parliament, not Government.
“But we should remain mindful of the ongoing investigation in this case, and it’s right that the police investigation takes its course.”
Asked whether the Government would set up his own inquiry, the spokesman said: “I think we’ve been clear that it’s right that this investigation should take its course. That has primacy here, and as we’ve said we continue to cooperate with the Met and other forces.”