Formerly known as Prince Andrew, Mountbatten-Windsor has faced sustained scrutiny over his ties to Epstein. He has repeatedly denied allegations against him, including claims that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager after she was trafficked by Epstein.
In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, paying an undisclosed sum to resolve her civil sexual assault claim. Giuffre died by suicide in April last year.
Last year, his brother the King removed his remaining royal titles, including his status as Prince and Duke of York.
In the latest batch of released documents, Mountbatten-Windsor’s name appeared numerous times, including within Epstein’s private emails. He was also pictured crouched on all fours over an unidentified woman. However, being referenced or photographed in the files does not in itself indicate wrongdoing.
He has also faced accusations of knowingly passing confidential information to Epstein during his time as UK trade envoy between 2010 and 2011, according to the BBC.
Emails made public by the US Department of Justice appear to show the former duke sharing reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
One message dated November 2010 appears to have been forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after it was sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.
Another email, sent on Christmas Eve 2010, appears to include a confidential briefing on investment opportunities connected to the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.
What Has the Royal Family Said?
Earlier this month, King Charles III addressed the allegations concerning his brother for the first time.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”
The statement continued: “While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”