On 23 February, Lord Mandelson was arrested at his London home on charges of misconduct in public office and later released on bail pending further investigation. His lawyers said the arrest was made due to claims that he might leave the country, but described them as ‘baseless’. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment. The investigation relates to allegations that, while serving as a minister, he shared market-sensitive government information with the late convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officers executed search warrants at properties in Wiltshire and Camden before questioning him for nine hours. Lord Mandelson, who has always maintained that he has acted lawfully and done nothing wrong, says he is cooperating fully. Meanwhile, the police have finished searching the properties belonging to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on similar charges on 19 February.  He has also been released on bail.

Following an investigation by Thames Valley police, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officers detained the 66-year-old at the Sandringham estate and are searching properties in Norfolk and Berkshire, including Royal Lodge in Windsor. The arrest follows a number of complaints that he shared confidential material with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing, and has not commented on the latest allegations. Misconduct in public office involves a public official wilfully neglecting duty or abusing the public’s trust without reasonable justification. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the police are limited in what they can disclose due to contempt of court laws and privacy rules. In a statement, King Charles III said he learned of the arrest ‘with the deepest concern’ and stressed that the law must take its course, pledging full cooperation while continuing royal duties.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are assessing fresh allegations that a woman was allegedly sent to Windsor in 2010 for 'sexual purposes' involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Officers are liaising with US law enforcement after reports linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced. They say that no formal complaint has been made directly to them by the woman or her lawyer, but they are following established procedures and taking the matter seriously. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Two other women have previously alleged they were sent to the UK in connection with Epstein, one being Virginia Giuffre, who claimed this happened in 2001. Police are also assessing email messages which appear to show that confidential documents were shared with Epstein during Andrew’s time as trade envoy. Former prime minister Gordon Brown has urged a thorough re-examination of earlier investigations.