Epstein Files Could Be Just Tip of the Iceberg for Andrew Investigation

Published: 20 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office has sent ripples through British society — and legal experts warn that the Jeffrey Epstein files that sparked the inquiry may be only the beginning of what investigators uncover.

Andrew was detained in February after UK police followed leads emerging from a massive release of documents tied to Epstein, the late convicted sex offender whose sprawling network of influence and secrecy has dominated headlines. The files, released by the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, contain millions of pages of correspondence, administrative records and other material. Much of it is still being combed through by law enforcement on both sides of the Atlantic.

Thames Valley Police have said Andrew’s arrest stems from alleged sharing of confidential government documents with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s special trade envoy — a role that afforded access to diplomatic cables and sensitive economic information. These disclosures will now undergo further forensic examination as part of the misconduct investigation.

However, law enforcement officials and analysts caution that the portion of the files publicly released so far represents just a small fraction of the total material in government hands. As only about 3.5 million pages have been disclosed, a significant volume of information remains unavailable to the public — and investigators are continuing to assess additional records that may be sealed or still under review.

Police forces across the United Kingdom have established a national coordination group to evaluate allegations revealed by the release, indicating that this is not an isolated inquiry. Forces including Thames Valley, Metropolitan and others are assessing information around Epstein’s use of UK airports, private flights allegedly linked to trafficking, and other elements that extend beyond Andrew alone.

The fact that multiple police jurisdictions are involved underscores the complexity and potential breadth of the case. Investigators must sift through dense documents involving finance, private correspondence, travel logs and property records, often involving individuals who have previously evaded scrutiny. Legal experts note that proving criminal misconduct — particularly in public office — requires a high standard of evidence. But the volume and variety of the Epstein files may provide leads that go well beyond the initial allegations.

For Andrew, the stakes are high. While he has been released under investigation with no formal charges yet filed, the ongoing inquiry means police can continue gathering and reviewing evidence. Misconduct in public office, if proven, carries serious penalties under UK law.

Observers also caution that new revelations could intensify pressure on other public figures named in the files, particularly if evidence of wrongdoing emerges. The sheer scale of the Epstein file trove — multiple millions of pages and growing — means that further connections and allegations may be uncovered in the coming months, potentially widening the scope of investigations both in Britain and abroad.

While the files have already prompted high‑profile consequences, including Andrew’s arrest and deeper public scrutiny of his past conduct, legal analysts say it may be premature to judge the full impact. As police continue to analyse both public and yet‑to‑be‑released material, the Epstein files could indeed prove just the tip of the iceberg in a series of inquiries that test the reach of justice and the extent of elite accountability.

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