British authorities have intensified their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former Prince Andrew, on new allegations of sexual misconduct and financial crimes. The probe, dubbed Operation Ironville, is being conducted by Thames Valley Police in collaboration with sex crimes and fraud specialists.
Allegations of Misconduct as Trade Envoy
Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK's trade envoy for a decade, a role appointed by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2001. During this period, he reportedly shared commercially sensitive information with his close associate, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Police are now examining claims of fraud, corruption, bullying, and perverting justice related to his tenure. The Crown Prosecution Service may charge him with misconduct in public office.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19, 2026, his birthday, in Sandringham, Norfolk. The arrest initially focused on allegations that he passed confidential information to Epstein. Now, investigators are expanding their scope to include sexual misconduct, urging Epstein survivors to come forward. Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated, 'We are speaking to a range of witnesses and want anyone with information to get in touch with us. Our door is open.'
Details from the Epstein Files
The investigation draws on the extensive Epstein Files, which include over three million pages of documents. Key revelations include:
- Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly tipped off Epstein about royal visits and investment opportunities, using his influence to enhance the pedophile's reputation.
- Investigators are probing whether he bullied individuals during his time as trade envoy.
- Potential charges also include perverting justice and misconduct for personal gain.
No decision has been made yet by the CPS regarding prosecution.
Accusers' Claims
Police are revisiting allegations from the late Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim who claimed she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor on three occasions when she was 17. She was initially interviewed in 2015 about being trafficked to the UK for sex. Another woman has since come forward, alleging she was also sex-trafficked to the UK for encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor at his former home, Royal Lodge, and that he gave her a tour of Buckingham Palace. Detectives are also interviewing his former police bodyguards.
New Names from Epstein's Assistant
Sarah Kellen, Epstein's longtime assistant, has reportedly provided three new names of alleged sexual abusers within Epstein's circle to the House Oversight Committee. Chairman James Comer called these leads promising, stating, 'The new names, that's what we've been waiting for. I'm more optimistic today than I have been in a long time.' Kellen was named as a possible co-conspirator in 2007 but claims she was also a victim of Epstein's abuse.
Separately, London's Metropolitan Police are investigating Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister and ambassador to the US, for his connections to Epstein.
