Epstein files trigger political and royal scrutiny across Britain

LONDON — The U.S. government’s release of more than three million documents linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has intensified scrutiny of several prominent figures in British public life, raising new questions about the extent of his access to the country’s political leadership and royal circles.

Among those repeatedly referenced in the newly disclosed materials are former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and former U.K. ambassador to the United States and House of Lords member Peter Mandelson. The disclosures have prompted renewed calls for accountability, including demands for testimony, resignations and official investigations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with a U.S. congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network, while Mandelson is facing pressure from senior political figures to step down from the House of Lords.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Mountbatten-Windsor has long denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has said he cut ties with the financier in 2010, following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. However, previously released emails suggested the two remained in contact in 2011, undermining those claims.

The latest document release includes three undated photographs that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor leaning over a woman or girl lying clothed on the floor, with her face redacted. No captions or contextual details accompanied the images, and the documents do not allege any criminal conduct related to them.

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously faced scrutiny over a 2001 photograph showing him with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner who was later convicted of child sex trafficking, and Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April. In her posthumous memoir, Giuffre reiterated allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her when she was 17. He has denied all claims and settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.

An email exchange from August 2010 included in the latest files shows Epstein inviting Mountbatten-Windsor to meet a “friend” in London. The royal responded that he would be “delighted to see her” and shared his contact details. The documents do not indicate any illegal activity.

U.S. lawmakers requested in November that Mountbatten-Windsor appear before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Epstein. On Saturday, Starmer publicly encouraged him to comply.

“Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer said. “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to do that.”

The royal family has not issued a formal statement on the latest disclosures. Speaking at an event in Dubai, Prince Edward said it was important to “always remember the victims,” without commenting further.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, Mountbatten-Windsor’s former wife and the Duchess of York, is also mentioned multiple times in the new files. While the documents do not allege criminal conduct, they include emails suggesting a close personal and financial relationship with Epstein.

In messages from 2009 and 2010, Ferguson expressed gratitude for Epstein’s support and assistance, including one email in which she thanked him for helping revive her professional opportunities. Another message appeared to reference financial difficulties, including a request for £20,000 to cover rent. It remains unclear whether Epstein provided the funds.

Previously released records showed that Epstein transferred $150,000 to Ferguson in 2001 after assisting her with the sale of share options related to her work with Weight Watchers.

The latest files also suggest Epstein explored using Ferguson to help rehabilitate his public image, with emails between Epstein and a crisis management firm discussing potential public statements attributed to her. A spokesperson for Ferguson previously said she regretted her association with Epstein. CNN reported it had sought further comment following the latest disclosures.

On Monday, Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, announced it would suspend operations “for the foreseeable future,” according to the U.K.’s PA Media.

Peter Mandelson

Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former U.K. ambassador to the United States, resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday, saying he did not want to cause the party “further embarrassment.” He has been under scrutiny since U.S. lawmakers released a “birthday book” compiled for Epstein in 2003, which included a handwritten note from Mandelson describing Epstein as “my best pal.”

The newly released documents indicate Mandelson may have shared sensitive U.K. government tax policy information with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. The files also include emails showing that Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, received financial assistance from Epstein to support his education and living expenses.

Some lawmakers have called on Mandelson to refer himself to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards, which investigates alleged breaches of conduct. Mandelson has been on leave from the House of Lords since February last year while serving as ambassador to Washington.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer believes Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, adding that the matter was being reviewed.

Police Review and Ongoing Fallout

London’s Metropolitan Police said it has received multiple reports alleging misconduct in public office linked to the document release. Police Commander Ella Marriott said the reports would be assessed to determine whether they meet the threshold for a criminal investigation.

The release of the Epstein files has renewed debate over transparency, institutional accountability and the influence of powerful individuals within British public life, with political leaders and law enforcement agencies now facing mounting pressure to address the implications of the disclosures.