Prince Andrew Faces Potential Misconduct in Public Office Inquiry Over Epstein Files
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is actively assessing serious allegations that Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive government documents with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation centers on claims that the disgraced former prince divulged confidential reports from his official role as the United Kingdom's special representative for international trade and investment.
Police Confirm Progress in Document Assessment
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated this evening that detectives are "making progress" in their evaluation of allegations relating to misconduct in public office. "We can confirm that Thames Valley Police is leading the ongoing assessment of allegations relating to misconduct in public office," Wright said. "This specifically relates to documents within the United States Department of Justice's Epstein Files."
The police force has engaged in discussions with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as part of their assessment. Wright emphasized that while they cannot provide specific timescales, the force is progressing "as quickly as possible" in determining whether a full criminal investigation is warranted.
Email Evidence Reveals Document Sharing
Emails released in the latest tranche of Epstein Files appear to show Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor sharing official reports from his trade envoy position. One email, dated November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel. The documents reportedly contained details of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Another email, sent on Christmas Eve 2010, shows Andrew including Epstein in a confidential brief regarding investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. These revelations have raised serious questions about the former prince's handling of sensitive government information during his official duties.
Royal Family Expresses Concern
Earlier this week, King Charles III made clear his "profound concern" regarding the allegations surrounding his brother's conduct. Buckingham Palace has confirmed it will "stand ready to support" the police investigation if approached about the claims. This development comes as Andrew recently left Royal Lodge for the King's private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his brother's new living arrangements through an annual stipend.
Broader Investigation Context
The fresh trove of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice has sparked multiple allegations against Andrew and led to police launching a separate investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson confirmed that while the CPS has not been asked for formal advice, the organizations remain in close contact regarding the complex case.
Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by the King last year, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The ongoing Epstein scandal continues to overshadow much of the royal family's work, despite the King's attempts to distance the institution from the matter when he formally banished Andrew from royal duties in October.
Thames Valley Police emphasized that during the assessment phase, information is carefully evaluated to determine whether a criminal offense is suspected and whether a full investigation is required. "Allegations of misconduct in public office involve particular complexities," Wright noted, "and therefore an assessment must be conducted carefully and thoroughly."
