Downing Street has said that a parliamentary inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Jeffrey Epstein is a matter for MPs, as ministers faced renewed pressure to disclose details about his role as a trade envoy. The prime minister’s official spokesperson stated that the government must remain mindful of the ongoing police investigation.
Meanwhile, the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has written to Keir Starmer confirming that his country would not object to removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession. A spokesperson for New Zealand’s prime minister, Christopher Luxon, later expressed similar support for the proposal.
The Liberal Democrats plan to use an opposition day debate on Tuesday to seek more information about the trade envoy position. A party spokesperson said parliament must be able to debate the matter fully without prejudicing the police investigation, adding that “major questions” remain over how Mountbatten-Windsor was seemingly able to act with impunity.
Any change to the line of succession would require an act of parliament and the agreement of all 14 Commonwealth realms where King Charles is head of state. While Mountbatten-Windsor has given up his royal titles, he remains eighth in line to the throne.
Starmer’s spokesperson said the government is considering whether further steps are required regarding Mountbatten-Windsor but declined to comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.
