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New allegations surface over Prince Andrew's use of official documents
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is under renewed pressure following reports that he shared a confidential Treasury briefing with a personal business associate in 2010. Emails published by The Telegraph suggest the former trade envoy sought sensitive financial information on Iceland's banking crisis and forwarded it to Jonathan Rowland, whose family had ties to a struggling Icelandic bank.
Emails reveal request for sensitive Treasury update
The documents indicate Prince Andrew, then serving as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment, asked Treasury officials for an "update note on the latest position between the UK and Iceland on the matter of the deposits and the deposit guarantee scheme." The request came amid a dispute over compensation for UK depositors in failed Icelandic banks following the 2008 financial crisis.
Shortly after receiving the briefing, Prince Andrew forwarded it to Jonathan Rowland, writing: "I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution? The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A."
Rowland family's ties to Icelandic banking and Prince Andrew
Jonathan Rowland's father, David Rowland, acquired part of the collapsed Icelandic bank Kaupthing in 2010, rebranding it as Banque Havilland in Luxembourg. Jonathan served as the bank's CEO until 2013. The Rowland family had close personal and professional ties to Prince Andrew, joining him on official trade missions and attending royal events, including Princess Eugenie's wedding.
In emails released as part of the Epstein files, Prince Andrew referred to David Rowland as his "trusted money man" and promoted Banque Havilland to Jeffrey Epstein, writing in October 2010: "He is actively seeking high net worth individuals for his Private Bank. Perhaps this is an avenue for your undecided Chinese?" Epstein replied: "His bank just might be the place... I guess I should learn more."
Denials and regulatory troubles for Banque Havilland
Jonathan Rowland told the BBC he had "no idea" about the reference to him in the emails and denied any wrongdoing. He also stated that neither he nor his father had any contact with Epstein, though he did not deny the possibility that Banque Havilland may have provided financial support to Prince Andrew or his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The bank lost its UK banking license in 2024 amid regulatory issues and is currently appealing the decision.
There is no evidence of wrongdoing by the Rowlands or Banque Havilland in connection with the briefing or Prince Andrew's actions.
Government and police response
The Cabinet Office declined to comment on the authenticity of the emails but referred to Thames Valley Police's ongoing assessment of whether to launch an investigation into potential misconduct in public office. The Times reported on Friday that police had held informal discussions with government officials regarding documents related to Prince Andrew and Epstein, though government sources told the BBC they were unaware of such talks.
One government insider stated: "We will hand over what is requested of us on the Andrew front."
Broader context of Prince Andrew's associations
The latest allegations add to a series of controversies surrounding Prince Andrew's use of official documents. Previously released emails from the Epstein files showed he shared confidential reports from overseas trade trips and a UK government briefing on Afghanistan with Epstein, labeling them as "confidential." Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein.
"I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution?"
Prince Andrew in an email to Jonathan Rowland, 2010
