UK Prosecutors Advise Police on Epstein Links Probe Involving Andrew and Mandelson
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it is offering early investigative advice to UK police forces as part of inquiries into the connections between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson, and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development follows the arrests of both men in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to their ties with the late financier, who was jailed in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on 19 February over allegations that he shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States, was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of leaking sensitive government information to Epstein during his tenure as business secretary in Gordon Brown's cabinet. Both individuals have been released under investigation and have denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service stated on Wednesday: "We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the force's investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested. We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man. We remain ready to support any investigation if needed."
Public Fallout and Legal Consequences
The investigations have led to significant public fallout for both men. Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles and given notice to vacate his 30-room home in Windsor, which he occupied on a peppercorn rent. Mandelson was dismissed as the UK's ambassador to Washington in September and resigned from the House of Lords in February amid the scrutiny over his Epstein links.
In response to the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, the National Police Chiefs' Council announced on Tuesday that the police response would be "stepped up." A dedicated group has been established to examine the "scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based VAWG [violence against women and girls] offending within the files." Additionally, alleged victims of Epstein who have spoken to UK media have been invited to discuss potential crimes that may have occurred on British soil with investigators.
Political and Royal Implications
The probe coincides with King Charles's planned state visit to the United States in late April, which some politicians have labeled a "humiliation" due to ongoing tensions with Iran under Donald Trump's administration. It is understood that Charles and Camilla will not be able to meet with victims of Epstein while UK police investigations are ongoing.
US Congressman Ro Khanna wrote to the king on Monday, urging him to meet survivors privately during the visit. The family of Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, also strongly encouraged the king to meet with them and other Epstein survivors in a statement to BBC Newsnight on Tuesday. At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on whether there was a "moral case" for the king to meet the victims, instead emphasizing that the focus of the visit would be on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
As the investigations progress, the Crown Prosecution Service's involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the broader implications for public office integrity and royal diplomacy.
