Epstein Documents Spark Police Action Against Former Prince Andrew
Thames Valley Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and UK trade envoy, following the release of three million documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest occurred just twenty days after the Department of Justice made the extensive files public, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into Epstein's network.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The former prince, described by police as "a man in his sixties from Norfolk," was arrested on his sixty-sixth birthday and subsequently released under investigation. This development comes as authorities examine allegations of misconduct in public office against King Charles's brother, with the Epstein files serving as a crucial starting point for the police inquiry.
The documents reveal numerous connections between Andrew and Epstein that contradict the former prince's previous public statements. While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, the released correspondence shows ongoing communication between the two men after Andrew claimed to have severed ties.
Contradictory Evidence Emerges
Among the most damaging revelations is an email sent by Andrew to Epstein on Christmas Eve 2010, containing what the former duke himself described as a "confidential brief" regarding investment opportunities in gold, uranium, and oil extraction. This communication occurred more than two weeks after their infamous walk in New York's Central Park, during which Andrew publicly stated he had ended his relationship with Epstein.
"I never had any contact with him from that day forward," Andrew declared during his controversial Newsnight interview. However, the email evidence directly contradicts this assertion, showing professional and personal correspondence continuing between the former trade envoy and the convicted financier.
Trade Envoy Role Under Scrutiny
As the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, Andrew traveled extensively and maintained access to senior government and business contacts worldwide. The Epstein files suggest Epstein and his associates viewed Andrew's position as an opportunity for financial gain.
One particularly revealing email from July 2010, sent by an Epstein associate, proposed capitalizing on Andrew's "aura and access" to establish a private wealth management business in London targeting high-net-worth Chinese individuals. While Andrew was not directly copied on this message, it illustrates how his official role was perceived within Epstein's circle.
Stepping Down and Financial Motivations
The documents also shed light on Andrew's departure from his trade envoy position. When news broke of his resignation on July 21, 2011, Epstein commented in an email, "I'm sure this is good for him, he will now be free." The financier forwarded the announcement to Ghislaine Maxwell, who questioned the development, to which Epstein responded, "I think he wants to make money."
These exchanges suggest financial motivations behind Andrew's career decisions and raise questions about potential conflicts of interest during his tenure as trade envoy.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Police conducted searches at Andrew's residence on the Sandringham estate as part of their investigation. The released Epstein documents, described as dense, disparate, and difficult to piece together, contain references to glamorous palace birthday parties and professional communications that have captured public attention for weeks.
One notable detail includes an invitation to "celebrate 50 years of Papa/Andrew" that was sent to Epstein, whose office declined with a brief "not able" response after being chased for an RSVP.
The three million pages of evidence represent just the beginning of what promises to be an extensive police investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. As authorities continue to gather and analyze information, the Epstein files have transformed from sensational headlines into substantive legal evidence with potentially significant consequences for the royal family and British institutions.
