A senior MP has called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to face a treason investigation over allegations he leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein.
Former Tory cabinet minister Tom Tugendhat said the ex-prince’s alleged actions raise “urgent questions” about foreign influence and national security and questioned what those around him knew.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he said: “This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country. If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?”.
It comes as police searches at Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home of Royal Lodge enter their fourth day. Officers began to scour the Windsor property following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on Thursday.
On Saturday, it was reported that King Charles will not oppose plans to remove his brother from the royal line of succession.
Royal sources told The Guardian on Saturday that Charles would not stop Parliament from enacting legislation that would prevent Andrew from ever ascending to the throne.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told The Independent that the issue is “a matter for Parliament”.
Read MoreKing Charles makes first public appearance after his brother’s arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest: History of his royal homes – from Wood Farm to Royal Lodge
Andrew’s arrest brings this awful drama to its final act
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor latest: Key points
- Stopping former prince from becoming King is 'right thing to do', minister says
- Buckingham Palace would not oppose removal of Andrew from line of succession
- Government considering legislation to revoke Andrew's succession rights
- MPs set to meet to consider investigation into former prince's role as trade envoy
- Brown tells police Andrew may have used RAF jets to meet Epstein
No legislation to remove Andrew from line of succession until criminal proceedings conclude
08:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The government will not introduce legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession until after criminal proceedings have concluded, the education secretary has said.
Asked for a timeline on when we might see the legislation, Bridget Phillipson told Sky News: "We're not ruling anything out around this, but we have obviously got a live police investigation underway.
"So we'll not be setting out further steps until the police have been able to do their work and wherever that investigation, wherever the evidence takes them."
Watch: 'Inconceivable' Andrew's guards didn't see anything, says former head of UK royal protection
08:30 , Maira ButtWhat happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
08:15 , 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.
He was detained for 11 hours for police questioning, before he was pictured cowering in the back of a Range Rover as he was driven away from a police station in Aylesham, Norfolk.
But what does this mean for the former prince, and what could happen next?
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports:
What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
Recap: Everything we know as searches of Royal Lodge continue
08:01 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are continuing to scour Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home of Royal Lodge in Windsor following his arrest on Thursday.
Here are the key developments from over the weekend:
• A group of influential MPs are expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss launching an inquiry into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a UK trade envoy once the police investigation has concluded
• The Palace has suggested it would not stand in the way of any parliamentary move to take the former prince out of the line of succession, saying it is a “matter for parliament”
• Former cabinet minister Tom Tugendhat has called for a treason probe into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson following allegations they passed sensitive government information to Epstein
• Gordon Brown has reportedly called for an investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used RAF jets to meet disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
• The Princess of Wales was seen in public for the first time since Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest as she attended a rugby match at Twickenham
• The Metropolitan Police has urged the former prince’s protection officers and staff to come forwards if they have information, as the ex-head of royal protection says it is ‘inconceivable’ his guards didn’t see anything
MP calls for former prince to face treason probe
07:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA former cabinet minister has reportedly called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson to face treason investigations over allegations they passed confidential government information to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat said: “This affair raises urgent questions about foreign influence and national security. What did the Palace know? What did ministers know? What else is being hidden?
“This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country. If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?”
Lord Mandelson was sacked as ambassador to Washington in September 2025 following revelations about his friendship with Epstein. But in the most recent tranche of the Epstein files, emails suggest he passed sensitive government information to the paedophile financier.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office over allegations he passed sensitive information to Epstein during his stint as a UK trade envoy.
It comes after the business and trade committee said it was considering launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Searches set to enter fourth day at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home
07:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home are set to enter their fourth day following the former prince’s arrest.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who was released under investigation on Thursday evening, is believed to be residing at Wood Farm.
Comment: The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
07:00 , Maira ButtIn the book, All the President’s Men, author Bob Woodward says to Senator Sam Ervin: “The key was the secret campaign cash, and it should all be traced.”
When it came to the subsequent film on Woodward and his colleague Carl Bernstein’s investigation into the Watergate break-in and the downfall of Richard Nixon, screenwriter William Goldman deployed creative license. The “Deep Throat” tipping off Woodward tells him to “follow the money”.
Chris Blackhurst reports:
The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows that ‘power can be toppled’
06:00 , Maira ButtOne of the first women to accuse late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein of sexually assaulting her — and her younger sister — said she was thrilled by news that the man formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last year over his longstanding ties to the notorious predator, had been arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I’m feeling elated,” Epstein survivor Maria Farmer, 56, told The Independent. “... I think it’s going to make all the difference for everyone. It proves that power can be toppled.”
Read the full story below.
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows ‘power can be toppled’
Kate makes first public appearance since arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
05:00 , Maira ButtThe Princess of Wales has made her first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Kate, patron of the Rugby Football Union, took her spot in the stands to watch England take on Ireland in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday.
She wore an England Rugby Scarf and a dark blue coat.
Kate was seen talking with injured England player Fin Baxter and RFU President Deborah Griffin before the game.
Watch: Have royal family members been arrested before? An expert explains
04:00 , Maira ButtMPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
03:00 , Maira ButtAn influential group of MPs are 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 on Tuesday 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.
Majority of Britons call for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from royal line of succession
02:00 , Maira ButtA YouGov poll showed that 82 per cent of Britons believe Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be cut from the line of succession, with only 6 per cent believing that he should not.
The survey of 7,242 adults, released on Friday, also found that 12 per cent of respondents did not have a view.
Thames Valley Police are investigating allegations that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
The claims emerged in a new tranche of emails in the so-called Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice last month.
Analysis: The Epstein files arrest of former ‘Prince’ Andrew makes Trump’s Justice Department look pathetic
01:00 , Maira ButtOn Thursday, America woke up to the news that Andrew (the artist formerly known as Prince) had been arrested over serious allegations made in the Epstein files. And you know what? It felt good.
There has been much consternation in the U.K. about the fact that Andrew’s “punishment” for alleged bad behavior looked very much like being handed a fancy free house and a lavishly funded retirement in obscurity. If that’s what you get for being a creep, then you might find a lot of similarly sweatless men lining up to be publicly “shamed” for their past misgivings.
Holly Baxter reports:
The arrest of former ‘Prince’ Andrew makes Trump’s DOJ look pathetic
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals
00:01 , Maira ButtWidely purported to have been the late Queen’s “favourite” child, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the past decade.
Plagued by a string of controversies, the latest blow has seen him arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
Ex-security minister calls on Parliament to investigate whether Andrew and Mandelson committed treason
Saturday 21 February 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtEx-security minister and MP Tom Tugendhat has said Parliament should investigate whether former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson have committed treason, according to The Sun.
MPs, peers and retired judges should assess evidence, summon witnesses and review documents in order to explore Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson’s links to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gordon Brown tells police Andrew may have used RAF jets to meet Epstein
Saturday 21 February 2026 22:30 , Maira ButtFormer prime minister Gordon Brown has called for an investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used RAF jets to meet disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to documents seen by the Telegraph.
Mr Brown wrote letters to six police forces asking that civil servants be questioned regarding the claims. He has further demanded a full investigation into the former prince’s trade envoy role.
The letters were reportedly sent to police in London, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Norfolk and Bedfordshire this week, but their content was kept private.
In the documents, it is now suggested that Mr Brown said reports of a “wholly unacceptable” use of public money such as the alleged use of the jets be looked into.
Watch: Cars depart from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home in Windsor
Saturday 21 February 2026 22:00 , Maira ButtSearches continued at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home on Saturday
Saturday 21 February 2026 21:30 , Maira ButtSearches continued at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous home on Saturday, as the Government’s pledge to consider removing him from the line of succession following police investigations was backed by the Liberal Democrats.
Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
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 remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.
Searches continued at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home on Saturday
Buckingham Palace would not oppose removal of Andrew from line of succession
Saturday 21 February 2026 21:04 , Maira ButtKing Charles will not oppose plans to remove his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, royal sources have told The Guardian.
Calls are growing for the former prince to be cut from a claim to the throne due to his association with disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his birthday on Thursday and held for 11 hours for questioning. Police searches on his property continue.
A YouGov poll revealed that 82 per cent of Britons believe he should be removed from the line of succession and several politicians including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly reviewing plans for an Act of Parliament to be passed to enable the removal.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told The Independent that the issue is “a matter for Parliament”.
After the scandal of Andrew, the royals owe us transparency about their finances
Saturday 21 February 2026 20:30 , Maira ButtLife will never be the same again for Britain’s royal family. The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal has rocked the institution to the core. Rather like the banking crisis of 2008, when the authorities were desperate to avoid contagion dragging down other banks, they are keen to prevent the spread.
For a body that likes to remain discreet and private, this is a transforming, unnerving prospect. Andrew’s troubles have shone an unwelcome light on not only his, but all of their living and financial arrangements. It’s not that the other royals have anything particular to hide – we don’t know – but rather that so much has hitherto been off limits. To release all the detail, to suddenly go from nothing to everything, as they might well be required to, is bound to provoke shock and anger.
Chris Blackhurst reports:
After the scandal of Andrew, the royals owe us transparency about their finances
Searches expected to continue at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home
Saturday 21 February 2026 20:00 , Maira ButtSearches are expected to continue at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous home as the Government vowed to consider removing him from the line of succession once police investigations have concluded.
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 remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.
Searches expected to continue at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home
Watch: Convoy of cars arrives at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home in Windsor
Saturday 21 February 2026 19:30 , Joe MiddletonMPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Saturday 21 February 2026 19:00 , Maira ButtAn influential group of MPs are 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 on Tuesday 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.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Kate watches rugby in first public appearance since Andrew arrest
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:29 , Maira ButtThe Princess of Wales made her first public appearance since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on Saturday.
Kate, patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), wore an England Rugby scarf and dark blue coat to watch England take on Ireland in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
She was pictured chatting with injured England player Fin Baxter and RFU President Deborah Griffin in the seats before the game.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
He was released under investigation after 11 hours of questioning.
Mountbatten-Windsor's 'one luxury' in police custody
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:00 , Joe MiddletonAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday, spending the entire day inside Aylsham police station in Norfolk.
He was reportedly allowed just “one luxury” while being quizzed by detectives - a cup of Yorkshire tea.
A source told The Sun: "There's two types of tea at Aylsham — Yorkshire Tea the cops take in for themselves and bland, tasteless vending machine tea.
"What you get depends on how the officers on the day feel. It's hard to imagine they served Andrew anything other than the good stuff, particularly if he was behaving well as you would expect."
Yorkshire Tea has a royal warrant, meaning it is officially supplied to King Charles. The source added: "It's hard not to see the irony that he was left sipping on a royal brew warranted by his brother. You couldn't make it up."
What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:30 , Joe MiddletonAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police are continuing to search his former residence of Royal Lodge, with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly residing at Wood Farm.
But what happens next? The Independent’s Holly Evans has more below:
What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest?
Comment: The Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Watch: Royal historian says this is 'more of a crisis than passing of Princess Diana'
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn pictures: Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be arrested – but not the King
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be arrested – but not the King
Recap: Minister gives backing to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA cabinet minister has backed moves by the government to consider removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, saying it is the “right thing to do”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions on Friday night Luke Pollard MP said British values “point in the direction” of removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from "potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne".
He said this was "something that I hope will enjoy cross party support, but its right that that is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes".
Prince Andrew island in Canada to be renamed
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Canadian island named after the former prince is set to be renamed after he was arrested on Thursday, Canadian media report.
Sherry Senis, the mayor of Selwyn Township in Ontario, is asking staff to begin the process of rechristening the tiny island, which is located on the Otonabee River.
The river passes by the village of Lakefield where the former prince attended the Lakefield College School for two terms in 1977 on an exchange programme.
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWidely purported to have been the late Queen’s “favourite” child, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the past decade.
The latest blow has seen him arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
But it isn’t his first controversy. You can read a full timeline of all of the disgraced former royal’s scandals below:
Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
Comment: At this brutal time for the monarchy, King Charles must convince us he cares
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane At this brutal time for the monarchy, King Charles must convince us he cares
'Inconceivable' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's guards didn't see anything, ex-head of UK royal protection says
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe ex-head of UK royal protection has said it is “inconceivable” that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s guards didn’t witness any alleged misconduct.
Speaking to Sky News, Dai Davies said: “"Wherever he (Mr Mountbatten-Windsor) went, he would have had a team of protection officers and they would have been with him normally 24 hours a day.
"Clearly at night they're not in the bedroom with him, but they're nearby, so that in the event of an incident, they could act in accordance with their training."
He added: "Many of them had been with him for years, and they would have gone to all the five residents [of Jeffrey Epstein] that we've been talking about in the United States, Virgin Islands, New Mexico, and Florida.
"So it's inconceivable to me, I'm sad to say, that nobody saw anything."
Princess of Wales arrives at Twickenham in first public outing since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:26 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Princess of Wales has been spotted at Twickenham this afternoon in her first public outing since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Waleses are yet to comment publicly on the arrest.
Majority of British public wants Mountbatten-Windsor removed from line of succession, polling suggests
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe majority of Britons think Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession, according to recent polling.
The survey conducted by YouGov shows 82 per cent of the public think the former prince should be removed from the line of succession, and just 6 per cent believed he should not.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer’s government considers whether to introduce legislation to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from his place as eighth in line to the throne.
Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home for 22 years
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:45 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are carrying out searches at homes linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his shock arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed officers were searching properties in both Berkshire, where his previous home of two decades, Royal Lodge, is situated, and Norfolk, where he currently lives on the King’s Sandringham estate.
The former prince was forced to give up his grade II-listed 30-room mansion in January after continued public backlash over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
You can read more below:
Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew’s home for 22 years as police search homes after arrest
MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAn influential group of MPs are 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 on Tuesday 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.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has more below:
MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Line of succession explained
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAt this time, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne.
First in line to succeed his father King Charles is the Prince of Wales, William.
His three children are next, with Prince George second in line, Princess Charlotte third, and Prince Louis fourth.
The Sussexes then slot into succession, with Prince Harry fifth in line and his children with Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet next.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor follows.
Photographer behind viral photo of slumped Andrew leaving police station speaks out
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSlumped in the car seat of his Range Rover attempting to avoid attention from the gathering photographers and journalists, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stares ahead of him as his vehicle leaves Aylsham police station.
The photo, taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble, instantly went viral across the world when it was published on Thursday evening.
The photo shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after he was released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
You can read more about how Mr Noble secured the incredible and notoriously difficult shot below:
Photographer behind viral slumped Andrew photo speaks out