MPs to avoid discussing other royals during debate on Andrew in House of Commons

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 23/02/2026

- 21:06

Politicians are expected to discuss the ex-duke following his arrest

Members of Parliament are to avoid discussing other members of the Royal Family during debate on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaking in the House of Commons, is expected to tell politicians they can discuss Andrew because he has been stripped of his royal titles, therefore usual convention will not apply.


MPs will be reminded to be aware of prejudging any possible legal proceedings after the former Duke of York is still under investigation following his arrest on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew allegedly forwarded Epstein's official reports of trips to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011, according to emails released by the US Department of Justice.

Andrew Mountbatten-WindsorPoliticians are expected to discuss Andrew following his arrest | GETTY

The former prince has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

King Charles previously confirmed he will allow police access to all files and documents regarding his brother.

Royal staff were reportedly worried there may be a "cover up" with Andrew's connections to paedophile Epstein.

But a royal source has confirmed that the monarch will be cooperating "fully and wholeheartedly" with the investigation, in line with his statement released after his brother's arrest.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Sir Lindsay Hoyle is expected to tell politicians they can discuss Andrew

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PA

The source told The Observer: "We have said we will cooperate fully and wholeheartedly."

Police have been searching Royal Lodge, where Andrew lived for over 20 years, over the weekend after concluding their investigation at Wood Farm.

Senior criminal defence lawyer Marcus Johnstone said the force "won't disregard" other offences they find while investigating the initial one.

He said: "What they find on his devices might lead to more investigative work and more interviews.

King Charles

King Charles confirmed he will allow the police access to all files and documents

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GETTY

"If they're looking at one offence and they uncover another, they won't disregard it."

The former Duke of York has not been seen since being driven home from Aylsham Police Station, where he was pictured reclining in the back seat of a car after a 12-hour day of questioning in police custody.

Following his release under investigation, Thames Valley Police told GB News: "Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.

"On Thursday (19/2), we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andre Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office

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REUTERS

"The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded."

The King said "the law must take its course" after expressing his "deepest concern" over the arrest, which came after millions of files were released by the US Department of Justice in relation to the Epstein scandal.

Charles released a statement just a couple of hours after the arrest, after having no prior knowledge of the police's actions.

He said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."