Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson and ex-prince Andrew arrested in Epstein probe

British police arrested Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the United States, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, as part of investigations into links with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was released on bail, and Andrew was released under investigation. The arrests followed the release of court documents related to Epstein, which also contained a photo of the late physicist Stephen Hawking with two women in bikinis, whom his family identified as his carers.

Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, is facing pressure to release government files related to the Epstein case and to Mandelson. The European Union's anti-fraud agency has been asked to look into Mandelson's ties to Epstein. There are also reports that the UK government is considering removing Andrew from the line of succession to the throne.

King Charles has said the law must take its course regarding the investigation into his brother, Andrew. The UK Parliament is being urged to release documents linked to Andrew, and the police are assessing claims against him.