BBC News Briefing

2 February, 2026

Sofia has shoulder-length light brown hair and brown eyes and wears a green blouse.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. The latest release of Epstein files in the US has renewed scrutiny of the late convicted sex offender's ties to royal families in the UK and Norway. My colleagues have the details. Russia editor Steve Rosenberg shares what it's like to work as the BBC correspondent in Moscow. And finally, catch up with the highlights from the Grammy Awards.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Epstein files indicate warm relations with royals

A composite image of three photographs showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on his hands and knees next to a person laying on the floor. The person, a female, wears black trousers and a white shirt. The face is covered by a black square. Andrew is wearing a white polo shirt and blue trousers. In the first photo he looks down at the female and lays his right hand on her stomach. In the second photo both his hands are on the floor on each side of the female, and he looks up to the camera. In the third photo, both his hands are on the woman's stomach.

Andrew has consistently and strenuously always denied any wrongdoing. Credit: US Department of Justice

The latest batch of documents released by the US Department of Justice offer new insights into Jeffrey Epstein's ties to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is photographed on all fours next to a person laying on the floor, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who asked Epstein for help in financial dealings. Appearing in the files does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing. Norway Crown Princess Mette-Marit also features hundreds of times between 2011-14. In a statement, the princess said: "I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all." Back to the UK, former cabinet minister and ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party after files in the latest release suggest he received $75,000 from Epstein. Lord Mandelson says he has no record or recollection of receiving the sums and does not know if the documents are authentic.

Get the latest

Royal Lodge: A woman has alleged that she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor in 2010.

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Other connections: The release shows Epstein's ties with high-profile figures in Hollywood and Wall Street. Read the key takeaways.

Watch: Newly released footage shows Epstein saying "I have a good mirror", when asked if he thinks he's the devil himself.

WORLD HEADLINES

The rear end of a burnt and badly damaged bus. It appears to have driven into a wall, with its front end obscured through it. Its windows have been blown out and charred purple curtains hang out of the window frames. Its red and white paint is visible underneath a layer of soot.

Russian strike kills miners in Ukraine, officials say

Russia had agreed not to target population centres and energy infrastructure for the duration of a cold snap.

Read more >

Ambulances wait in line at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip

Israel reopens Gaza's key Rafah crossing with Egypt

The crossing has largely been closed since May 2024, when the Gazan side was captured by Israeli forces.

What to know >

China executes four more Myanmar mafia members

The Bai family's criminal activities led to the deaths of six Chinese citizens and multiple injuries, a court said.

More details >

A close-up self of Ifunanya Nwangene. She is smiling and has long, curly hair

Aspiring Nigerian singer dies after snake bite

Videos shared on social media show a snake handler removing a snake from Ifunanya Nwangene's apartment.

What happened >

Workers outside the Kennedy Center on lifts in front of the building, where a sign now says 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts'

Kennedy Center to close for two years, Trump says

US President Donald Trump has announced the centre will close on 4 July for a two-year renovation.

What Trump said >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Top taxpayers: The 100 biggest contributors to the public purse have been named, including author JK Rowling and performer Harry Styles.

Secret filming: Men are covertly filming women on nights out and making money by posting the videos online, a BBC investigation has found.

Cape Verde: Law firm Irwin Mitchell said six families were taking legal action after their relatives died while on holiday in the island country.