(23 February 2026) - The IWI: The International Women's Initiative (The IWI) issues this statement to address the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and to reiterate our profound concern regarding the ongoing lack of accountability for the elite associates of Jeffrey Epstein's child sex trafficking ring—in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

On 19 February 2026, Mr. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was arrested by U.K. police on suspicion of "misconduct in public office"—allegedly sharing confidential trade reports with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has since been released on bail.

The IWI views this arrest with significant scepticism. While any legal scrutiny of a formerly protected public figure is notable, the decision to pursue administrative charges—rather than addressing the decades of allegations regarding child sexual abuse made by survivor Virginia Giuffre—appears performative. It creates an illusion of accountability while carefully shielding the monarchy from deeper scrutiny. Without Giuffre's civil action, it is unlikely any institutional response would have occurred at all. Despite being stripped of his royal titles and military patronages in November 2025, and despite having no official public duties, Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor continues to enjoy significant benefits funded entirely by the British taxpayer. These include:

• Rent-free accommodation in a Crown Estate property.

• Publicly funded security protection.

For an individual facing serious public scrutiny, the provision of housing and security at taxpayer expense represents a profound failure of ethical accountability. It demonstrates that while titles can be removed, the protective infrastructure of the elite remains firmly in place.

BEYOND PRINCE ANDREW: THE BRITISH ELITE REQUIRE INVESTIGATION

Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor is not alone. Released U.S. files have exposed other powerful British figures with documented ties to Epstein that demand urgent investigation:

• Lord Peter Mandelson, a senior minister in the Blair and Brown governments and former U.K. Ambassador to the United States. Evidence reveals his husband received thousands of pounds from Epstein, including a £10,000 payment shortly after Epstein's 2008 conviction. While serving as Business Secretary, Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government information with Epstein and offered to assist him in obtaining a Russian visa—a trip Epstein planned for the purpose of meeting young women in Moscow. Mandelson is under police investigation for misconduct, but like Mountbatten-Windsor, faces no charges related to trafficking or child abuse.

• Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, whose emails reveal continued correspondence with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction, referring to him as "a legend" and maintaining a friendship with a convicted sex offender.

These relationships, maintained with a known predator, raise profound questions about complicity, awareness, and the systematic protection of powerful interests.

THE UNITED STATES: A STAGGERING FAILURE OF JUSTICE

While the U.K. engages in selective action, the situation in the United States is demonstrably worse. As advocates for women and girls, The IWI must highlight the complete failure of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and prosecute the American elite connected to Epstein's trafficking enterprise.

Predators belonging to the highest echelons of wealth and government continue to be shielded. The IWI asserts that the current leadership of the DOJ, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is not operating from a purpose of advocating for the American people but rather appears to be pandering to political interests. By failing to seek justice for Epstein's victims, the DOJ has signalled that the protection of the powerful is its priority.

Human rights protection must be at the forefront of every government. The current inaction represents a profound betrayal of this principle.

DEMANDS AND CALLS TO ACTION

The IWI demands the following:

For the United Kingdom:

• Broaden investigations to include Lord Mandelson's financial transactions with Epstein, his assistance with Epstein's travel, and any role in facilitating Epstein's access to vulnerable individuals.

• Investigate other British figures named in the Epstein files, including Sarah Ferguson, for their sustained relationships with a convicted sex offender.

• Cease taxpayer-funded housing and security for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor immediately. These privileges must be revoked for individuals no longer serving in any official public capacity.

• Release full findings of all investigations into British figures named in the Epstein files.

For the United States:

• Immediately investigate and prosecute American citizens accused in the Epstein enterprise, regardless of their position or power.

• Investigate the leadership of the DOJ, beginning with Attorney General Pam Bondi, for the failure to pursue these cases.

• Release all Epstein-related files in full, with victims' names redacted and the names of the accused made visible.

The IWI reminds the American people that no time limit exists for prosecuting offenses involving forced labour, trafficking, or sex trafficking of children under 18. The window for justice remains open—but it requires a DOJ willing to act.

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on minor administrative charges, while he continues to reside in taxpayer-funded luxury, is not justice—it is a distraction. The evidence against Lord Mandelson and others demands nothing less than full, transparent investigation. And the inaction of the U.S. Department of Justice is an ongoing betrayal of every victim who has waited years for accountability.

The International Women's Initiative maintains that the rule of law, transparency, and equal accountability are non-negotiable foundations of public trust. Institutional credibility depends not on status or title, but on the consistent application of the law and the protection of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Thus far, the actions taken have served to protect the powerful, not to deliver justice for the victims.

We maintain our hope for justice for every woman and child abused by the system of terror created by Jeffrey Epstein. But hope must be matched with action. We demand it.

For more information, please contact us at: press@theiwi.org