In brief
- The comments came during a debate about the release of documents related to Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as a trade envoy.
- Mountbatten-Windsor was the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in more than three centuries.
A UK minister has openly criticized Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, labeling him “rude, arrogant, and entitled” during a parliamentary debate.
On Tuesday, Chris Bryant, a junior trade minister, condemned the former prince’s tenure as a trade envoy, describing it as a relentless pursuit of self-promotion and personal gain. Bryant accused him of being unable to differentiate between the public interest he claimed to serve and his private interests.
The remarks surfaced during discussions over whether the UK government should disclose documents related to Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a trade envoy. This debate has intensified amid growing scrutiny over his connections with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Opposition politicians were quick to join in the criticism of Mountbatten-Windsor, with at least four members advocating for the end of the parliamentary convention that shields the royal family from scrutiny.
Brendan O’Hara, an MP from the Scottish National Party, argued that such outdated rules undermine democracy, stating, “Nobody, regardless of rank or privilege, should or must be above the law.”
Following the recent arrest of King Charles’ younger brother, some politicians are now questioning whether it’s time to abolish the parliamentary convention that prevents criticism of the royal family.
The House of Commons speaker had given politicians approval to discuss the former prince on the basis that he is no longer a member of the royal family, having been stripped of his titles.
Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in more than three centuries when he was questioned by officers on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police are investigating reports that he sent trade reports to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 while he was a trade envoy for the UK government.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was released without charge, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and said he regrets their friendship.
The Liberal Democrats pressured the government to compel it to release all the documents related to his appointment using an arcane parliamentary procedure known as a humble address.
Bryant said the government supported the motion, and it was unanimously passed.
There was a small turnout from politicians from the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Conservatives, the two main political parties.
Bryant said he would try to get the documents released as soon as possible, but officials would need to check that it would not interfere with the police investigation.
Publication of the vetting documents could embarrass figures who served in then-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government when he was appointed, as well as members of the British royal family, which is facing its worst crisis in 90 years over Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Epstein.
One former senior royal aide who knows the king well said the scandal was the worst for the royal family since the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936.
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