Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew Released Under Investigation Over Epstein Links

Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Duke of York, were arrested in February in the United Kingdom on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to their links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, according to official statements. Both individuals have since been released under investigation as police inquiries continue.

The Metropolitan Police arrested Andrew at Sandringham on 19 February. Authorities are examining allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the United Kingdom's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. A spokesperson confirmed that Andrew has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.

Lord Mandelson was arrested on 23 February by Thames Valley Police. Investigators are looking into claims he passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as business secretary between 2008 and 2010, under then Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mandelson also denies any wrongdoing, according to official statements.

Prosecutors have stated they are "providing early investigative advice" to the police forces involved, namely the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it remains available to support the investigations as requested.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in the United States on sex trafficking charges, prompting multiple international inquiries into his network and associations. The current status is that both Andrew and Mandelson remain released under investigation pending further police inquiries, with no charges filed at this stage.