Buckingham Palace was given Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor trade envoy emails six years ago

Emails Archive Handed to Palace Officials

Court documents indicate that an archive containing 30,000 emails was provided to the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer in the Royal Household, in May 2020. The material originated from the account of British businessman Jonathan Rowland and had been taken by a former employee of the Rowland family before being passed to Kevin Stanford.

Details Emerging from Legal Proceedings

A High Court judgment from April 2021 confirmed that a copy of the archive reached the Lord Chamberlain. A further ruling in June 2022 referred to an email dated 10 July 2020 stating the emails had been delivered to Buckingham Palace. The contents cover a period up to June 2013, although their full details remain undisclosed in the available records.

Scope of the Current Police Inquiry

Thames Valley Police detectives are examining allegations of sexual misconduct within a broader inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following claims that he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a trade envoy.

Business Connections and Earlier Disclosures

The emails formed part of a separate legal dispute between Kevin Stanford and Jonathan and David Rowland. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor had described David Rowland as his trusted money man in messages to Epstein that were released by the US Department of Justice. Reports from The Telegraph highlighted a 2010 request for a confidential Treasury briefing on the Icelandic financial crisis, with details later shared with Jonathan Rowland.

Palace Position and Further Offers of Material

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that an ongoing police enquiry prevents any comment on the matters. Mr Stanford also offered the archive to authorities in Monaco and Luxembourg. In 2020 the position of Lord Chamberlain was held by Lord Peel, whose responsibilities include overseeing the conduct and general business of the Royal Household.

Public Statements from Investigating Authorities

Thames Valley Police confirmed they are aware of circulating allegations and have encouraged anyone with relevant information to make contact. The Independent has approached Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for comment on the developments.