Britain’s parliament will deliberate on calls for the release of confidential files on former Prince Andrew following the arrest of the disgraced royal prince linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files in question relate to the appointment of former Prince Andrew as Britain’s special envoy for international trade in 2001.
Deliberating over the release of the documents is outside the norm for the House of Commons, where rules have historically prohibited members from criticizing the royal family, The Associated Press said. However, the AP noted that Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats and the lawmaker who introduced the motion, wants to change the rules.
“One thing the Liberal Democrats stand for is holding the powerful to account,” Davey told the BBC, according to the AP. “And I think we’ve seen too many times in the past where people, because of their title or their friend or whatever, weren’t held accountable in the right way.”
The then Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends the Requiem Mass of Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Parliament’s deliberation comes after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) released millions of files related to the Epstein case, some of which included the former prince. The AP reported that Britain has suffered significant fallout from the release of the Epstein files, as the scandal raises questions about the aristocracy, senior politicians and influential businessmen.
The former prince, younger brother of King Charles III, was stripped of his princely title last year because of his relationship with Epstein. Since then, the former Prince has been referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Previously, in 2019, Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was forced to give up his royal duties and end his charity work by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after he tried to explain his ties to Epstein in a BBC interview.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and King Charles III attend the Requiem Mass of Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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The British government is already considering removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. Despite losing his princely title in October, Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne. Removing him from the line would require new legislation.
The last time a royal family was removed from the line of succession was after the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936. The law was changed to remove him and any descendants from the list.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in office, amid allegations that he shared confidential files with Epstein while serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade. Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London, said at the time that Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested after a “thorough assessment”, and an investigation has now been opened.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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“Following a thorough investigation, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” said Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged crime. We understand the significant public interest in this case and we will provide updates in due course.”
The king expressed his “deepest concern” at the news of his brother’s arrest and said “the law must take its course.” King Charles III said authorities have the “full and sincere support and cooperation” of Buckingham Palace.
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