Thames Valley Police have confirmed that detectives are advancing in their assessment of allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive government documents with Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by Metro.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that the force is leading the ongoing assessment of claims relating to misconduct in public office, specifically concerning documents within the United States Department of Justice’s Epstein Files. He explained that during this assessment phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offence is suspected and if a full investigation is required, adding that such allegations involve particular complexities and must be conducted carefully and thoroughly.
The allegations centre on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former role as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment. Emails released in the latest tranche of Epstein Files appear to show him sharing confidential reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. One email, dated November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel. Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, looped Epstein into a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The files also include claims that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.
ACC Wright confirmed that Thames Valley Police has engaged in discussions with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service as part of the assessment. He said the force cannot provide timescales for a decision on whether a criminal investigation will be opened but assured that progress is being made as quickly as possible.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson stated that while the CPS has not been asked for formal advice, it is in close contact with both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police. He noted that in complex and sensitive cases, the CPS and police work together.
King Charles III has expressed his “profound concern” at the allegations, and Buckingham Palace confirmed it will “stand ready to support” the police if approached. Andrew was stripped of his royal titles by the King last year, and in October, the King attempted to draw a line under the matter by further stripping him of his right to be a prince and of his dukedom. Andrew has since left Royal Lodge for the King’s private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new life.
The fresh trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice has sparked these allegations and also led to police launching an investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. The work of the royal family in recent weeks has been overshadowed by the ongoing Epstein scandal.
