Police have confirmed they are assessing allegations relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s involvement with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said on Wednesday local time that the force is “leading the ongoing assessment of allegations relating to misconduct in public office”.
“This specifically relates to documents within the United States Department of Justice’s Epstein Files,” he said in a statement.
“As part of this assessment, we have engaged in discussions with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the CPS.
“We will provide updates as and when they are available, but at this stage it would be inappropriate to discuss further specifics of this work.
“During an assessment phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offence is suspected and whether a full investigation is required.
“Allegations of misconduct in public office involve particular complexities, and therefore an assessment must be conducted carefully and thoroughly.”
It was confirmed earlier this week that Thames Valley Police is examining allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential documents with Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy.
The claims follow the US Department of Justice’s release of further documents in the Epstein files, many relating to the former Duke of York.
In one message sent on November 30 in 2010 by Andrew’s then-special assistant, Amit Patel, reports from discussions on visits to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and China were included.
“Sir, please find attached the visit reports for Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in relation to your recent visit to South East Asia,” Patel wrote.
The visits were part of Andrew’s official duties as trade envoy and involved trade discussions and meetings.
Five minutes after the documents were received in his email inbox, they appeared to be forwarded to Epstein. He also appeared to engage Epstein in a confidential briefing document on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Official guidance requires trade envoys to maintain confidentiality around sensitive commercial or political information obtained during official visits.
Shortly after the information emerged, anti-monarchist group Republic lodged a complaint with Thames Valley Police.
“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” a spokesperson said.
Buckingham Palace said the royal family “stand ready” to support any investigation.
“The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” the Palace said in a statement on Monday night, UK time.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, also addressed the matter through a Kensington Palace spokesperson ahead of an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
“I can confirm The Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” the spokesperson said.
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He previously faced allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was 17 when she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with him. He has always vehemently denied the claims.
In recent days, public scrutiny has again intensified following the release of additional Epstein files.
During a visit to Lancashire on Monday, a man was heard shouting “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?” at the monarch.
The King did not respond and continued greeting members of the public.
At a separate engagement in Dedham, Essex, another person was heard calling out: “Charles, Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew?”
Thames Valley Police said further updates would be provided as the assessment progresses.
Image: Shutterstock
