The Royal Family has been accused of "covering up" allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after an Epstein survivor claimed Buckingham Palace failed to act on evidence that he had leaked sensitive government information. Jess Michaels, who says she was sexually assaulted by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 1991, alleged that Palace officials were aware years ago of material that could have exposed the former prince to criminal scrutiny.

Ms Michaels claimed Buckingham Palace had received emails in 2020 which raised concerns about Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged conduct while serving as the UK's trade envoy, but failed to take action. She said: "Six years ago, the Palace knew Andrew wasn't just a problem; he could face a criminal investigation. And they sat on it."

Ms Michaels also linked the issue to allegations made by the late Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent accusers, who claimed she had been trafficked to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor when she was 17.

She told the Telegraph: "Protecting him meant doubting her. Virginia Roberts Giuffre was telling the truth, and she didn't live to see them admit it. That breaks my heart and it should break everyone's.

"This is what institutions do. They protect powerful men and leave the people they harmed to carry it."

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has long faced scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The latest claims come after the former prince was arrested in February, on his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations that he passed sensitive government information to Epstein during his decade as a trade envoy.

Documents released through litigation connected to the Epstein case appear to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding official reports in November 2010 concerning visits to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and China. He denies any wrongdoing.

Ms Michaels welcomed the fact that authorities are investigating the allegations, but suggested the response had come too late.

She said: "I'm glad the UK is finally investigating. A little late, but it's the very least they could do. Meanwhile, our own government named us as victims, shields the men who harmed us and still treats us like the problem."

Court documents reportedly show Buckingham Palace received a vast cache of around 30,000 emails in 2020, including correspondence relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

The material is said to have been sent to the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household.

According to reports, some of the emails raised questions about correspondence forwarded by Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to Jonathan Rowland, a businessman and close friend who previously served as chief executive of Banque Havilland.

The allegations have intensified questions over what Palace officials knew at the time and whether any action was taken.

The controversy has also prompted political calls for greater scrutiny of the royal household.

Rachel Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that "the system built around the royal household has to be reviewed".

She said: "The web grows ever darker and that is why we have got to address the issue of unaccountable power and also the abuse of power in high office."

Ms Maskell called for a joint committee of MPs and peers to examine the workings of the royal household.

Court documents have revealed that Buckingham Palace was handed an archive of 30,000 emails in 2020 that showed Mr Mountbatten-Windsor sharing confidential government information while serving as a trade envoy.

The emails, delivered to the Lord Chamberlain during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, detail controversial financial dealings with the Rowland family and Banque Havilland.

The revelation follows his recent arrest by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While the Palace has declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation, MPs and commentators are now calling for a public parliamentary inquiry into the Royal Household’s lack of transparency.

Express.co.uk has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.