The U.K. Parliament is preparing to deliberate calls for the release of confidential government files related to former Prince Andrew following his recent arrest tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The documents at issue concern Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2001 appointment as Britain’s special envoy for international trade.
Debating such a release would mark a significant break from long-standing House of Commons norms, which have historically restricted members from criticizing the royal family, according to The Associated Press.
Liberal Democrats Push for Transparency
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, introduced the motion and is seeking to challenge those traditional limits.
“One thing the Liberal Democrats stand for is to hold the powerful to account,” Davey told the BBC, according to the AP.
“And I think we’ve seen too often in the past that people, because of their title or their friend or whatever, have not been properly held to account.”
The parliamentary debate follows the U.S. Justice Department’s release of millions of files connected to Epstein, some of which reference the former royal.
According to the AP, the fallout in Britain has been significant, raising renewed scrutiny of the aristocracy, senior politicians, and influential business figures.
Royal Status Already Stripped
Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, was stripped of his princely title last year because of his relationship with Epstein.
He now goes by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In 2019, Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was forced by Queen Elizabeth II to step back from royal duties and charitable work after attempting to explain his ties to Epstein during a BBC interview.
The British government is reportedly considering removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession altogether.
Although he lost his princely title in October, he remains eighth in line to the throne.
Any removal would require new legislation.
The last royal removed from the line of succession was King Edward VIII, following his abdication in 1936, when the law was amended to exclude him and any descendants.
Arrest and Investigation
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He is accused of sharing confidential files with Epstein while serving as Britain’s trade envoy.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest after what they described as a detailed review.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said:
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
King Charles Responds
King Charles III expressed concern over the arrest of his brother.
However, in an official statement, the king asserted that the situation should be handled through the proper legal process.
The king conveyed his “deepest concern” and said “the law must take its course.”
He added that authorities have Buckingham Palace’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
NEW: A statement from the King following the arrest of his brother this morning. pic.twitter.com/7oGs59tvjK
— Majesty Magazine (& Joe Little) (@MajestyMagazine) February 19, 2026
As Parliament prepares to debate whether to release the confidential files, the case is likely to intensify scrutiny of Britain’s royal institution and its handling of the Epstein fallout.
READ MORE – Epstein Boasted of Trafficking Children to His Island for Abuse
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