Thames Valley Police is assessing allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as UK trade envoy with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
The monarch has expressed his “profound concern” regarding allegations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s behaviour and has indicated he will “stand ready to support” police enquiries should they require assistance, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are evaluating claims that the King’s brother allegedly passed on sensitive documents from his position as Britain’s trade envoy to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The rekindled scandal engulfing both the Royal family and Westminster has displayed few indications of subsiding since American authorities’ recent release of millions of records linked to the paedophile financier Epstein.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace stated: “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.
“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.”
To date, the Palace has not been contacted by Thames Valley Police concerning the allegations, which pertain to Andrew’s tenure as Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment. The Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday, with Kensington Palace confirming they were “deeply concerned” at the “continued revelations” and that their thoughts “remain focused on the victims”.
The revived controversy that has engulfed both the Royal Family and Westminster shows no signs of abating following the recent disclosure by American authorities of extensive documents connected to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Kensington Palace verified that William and Kate have been “deeply concerned” with their attention remaining on those impacted by the scandal. This represents the first time the couple’s stance on the issue has been publicly declared.
The prince is presently en route to Saudi Arabia to commence a three-day solo visit to the Middle Eastern country, with his first day planned alongside Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Before his departure, a Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
The most recent tranche of documents released by the US department of justice has sparked a wave of allegations against Andrew and prompted authorities to launch an investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson regarding alleged misconduct in public office. Among the allegations are accusations that Epstein facilitated the travel of a second woman to Britain for a sexual encounter with Andrew, and that the Duke and Epstein approached an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein’s property in Florida.
The latest claim alleges that Andrew shared sensitive briefings from official trips to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.
One email, sent in November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after receiving it from his then-special adviser, Amir Patel. On Christmas Eve 2010, Andrew copied Epstein into an email containing a confidential briefing about investment prospects related to reconstruction projects in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy organisation Republic, has confirmed that he reported the allegations to the police.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.”
In 2022, the late Queen stripped her son Andrew of his honorary military titles. Last year, he gave up his HRH designation following substantial controversy surrounding the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life last year.
Ms Giuffre alleged that she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions, claims which he vehemently denies. These instances allegedly included when she was 17 and also during an orgy, after being trafficked by Epstein.
Despite his unwavering assertion that he had never met her, Andrew paid out millions in 2022 to settle the civil sex case with her.
