Former UK business secretary Sir Vince Cable has called for an investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s tenure as a UK trade envoy, citing concerns over the potential sharing of confidential information. Documents recently released by the US Department of Justice appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded government and commercial correspondence to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The materials reportedly included discussions relating to the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Aston Martin. Sir Vince described the reports as “totally unacceptable” and urged that authorities examine whether any criminal or corrupt activity occurred. He suggested a review by police or the Director of Public Prosecutions, alongside a government assessment of the circumstances that allowed the alleged actions. Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, traveled internationally and had access to senior business and government contacts.
It is not yet clear which information originated directly from his official role and which was obtained through other channels. According to reports, an email sent in 2010 concerning Aston Martin and RBS was forwarded to David Stern, who subsequently shared it with Epstein. The correspondence reportedly included details about RBS restructuring plans, reflections on the chief executive, and internal matters at Aston Martin.
Other released documents suggest Mountbatten-Windsor shared government reports from official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China, as well as information about Iceland, with private contacts. UK guidance requires trade envoys to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information obtained during official duties. Thames Valley Police stated that they had consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade envoy reports.
Labour MPs, including Sarah Owens and Rachael Maskell, have called for transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, noting that the former duke should be held accountable for any misuse of privileged information. Buckingham Palace said it is prepared to support authorities as needed, and King Charles has expressed concern regarding the reports. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing.
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