Investigation Update on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Detectives probing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office have reiterated their appeal for individuals with relevant information to come forward.
Authorities are reportedly concerned that witnesses may mistakenly believe the investigation is solely focused on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared a confidential trade report with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Misconduct in public office is a complex offence that can encompass a wide array of behaviours, including abuse of position, sexual misconduct, corruption, and other forms of wrongdoing.
The inquiry into the former Prince Andrew was initiated following the release of US Department of Justice documents related to its investigation into Epstein. However, Thames Valley Police have yet to receive formal information from the department and are currently relying on publicly available materials.
Jeffrey Epstein, convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor, died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to his association with Epstein and has refuted claims of personal gain from his tenure as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
He was arrested on 19 February and subsequently released under investigation. Thames Valley Police have only identified him as "a man in his 60s from Norfolk," adhering to the usual practice of not naming individuals unless charged.
He was questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office after emails published in the Epstein Files suggested he may have shared confidential information with Epstein.
Detectives conducted searches at his residence on King Charles III's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Police Appeal for Information
In a recent update, Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright reiterated the force's request for information:
"We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us."
"Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation."
"There's a number of aspects of alleged misconduct that the investigation is examining."
understands that detectives are concerned about a public perception that the investigation is narrowly focused on the sharing of confidential information.
Misconduct in public office is broadly defined as a public office holder willfully neglecting their duties through behaviour that may include sexual misconduct, financial misconduct, abuse of position, misconduct leading to personal gain, and corruption.
Detectives reportedly want to clarify that their focus is not limited to potential misconduct involving "the state" but also includes possible crimes involving individuals, which can also fall within misconduct cases.
'Door Always Open'
Thames Valley Police stated they have "been working with the United States Department of Justice to get further information that may be related to this investigation." The formal request for information is being processed through the National Crime Agency.
Detectives are reportedly satisfied with the cooperation they are receiving from the UK government and the Royal Household.
There is ongoing liaison between the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with detectives sharing information and obtaining early investigative advice from CPS lawyers.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they have already interviewed several witnesses.
The force is part of a national coordinating group of UK police forces examining information in the Epstein Files, organized by the National Police Chiefs' Council.
This effort includes contacting known victims of Jeffrey Epstein and encouraging others to come forward.
Thames Valley Police stated:
"We hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward whenever they are ready to engage with us; our door is always open."
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Kirby added:
"There is a risk that the victim survivors may be put off from contacting us because they feel the weight of public, national and international focus will be too much for them."
Assessment of BBC Report
Should detectives encounter insurmountable obstacles, they have a duty to cease the investigation; however, they have not reached that point.
It is becoming apparent that a decision on whether to bring charges is unlikely before 2027.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that "the investigation is continuing at pace."
Following a BBC report alleging that a woman in her 20s was sent by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, police confirmed they have been in contact with the woman's legal representative as part of their assessment of the allegation.
Thames Valley Police said:
"We have engaged with the woman's legal representative to confirm that, should she wish to report this to police, it will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity."
A formal investigation into this specific allegation has not been opened.
