Buckingham Palace Knew Ex-Prince Andrew Was Sharing Confidential Information Years Ago and Took No Action, Report Claims

A new BBC News report has intensified scrutiny around Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and raised fresh questions about what Buckingham Palace knew about his alleged conduct and when officials first became aware of it. According to the report, palace staff were reportedly given evidence years earlier suggesting he may have shared confidential government information while working as a trade envoy, yet no clear action followed at the time.

The report says that in 2020, about 30,000 emails were delivered to the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household. Those emails allegedly contained material related to Andrew’s handling of protected information and were reportedly obtained from one of his business associates. The claims have prompted renewed criticism over whether the Palace failed to respond decisively to warning signs long before the current investigation.

Andrew has been arrested this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations that he forwarded confidential trade documents to Jeffrey Epstein. He has denied all wrongdoing and continues to reject the accusations against him. The allegations have already contributed to a further collapse in his public standing, and the latest report is likely to deepen public anger and institutional concern.

One of Epstein’s alleged victims, Jess Michaels, has accused the Palace of ignoring the issue. Speaking to the Telegraph, she said officials knew years ago that Andrew could face a criminal investigation and chose not to act. Her comments have added to the debate over whether the monarchy protected Andrew for too long and failed to prioritize accountability.

Michaels also referred to Virginia Giuffre, whose accusations against Epstein and Andrew kept the case in the public spotlight for years. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, and Michaels argued that institutional loyalty shielded Andrew while leaving victims without justice. Her remarks have renewed attention on the broader human impact of the Epstein scandal and the continuing fallout for those who accused him.

Buckingham Palace has declined to address the specific allegations, citing the ongoing police investigation. In a statement to the BBC, officials said they could not comment because inquiries into Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor are still underway. The Palace previously responded to Andrew’s arrest by saying King Charles was concerned but that the matter should be handled through legal channels.

The new allegations are likely to intensify pressure on the royal family and raise further questions about transparency, responsibility, and whether warning signs were overlooked for too long. As the investigation continues, scrutiny of both Andrew and the institution around him shows no sign of easing.