Prosecutors Maintain Close Contact with Police in Epstein-Related Investigations
England and Wales' most senior criminal prosecutor has confirmed that prosecutors are maintaining "close contact" with police forces investigating connections between Jeffrey Epstein and two prominent British figures: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and former Labour peer Peter Mandelson.
Dual Police Investigations Underway
Thames Valley police has announced it is reviewing serious allegations that the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein provided a woman to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for sexual purposes at Royal Lodge in 2010. Additionally, police are examining claims that the former prince shared confidential government trade reports with the disgraced financier during his tenure as the UK's special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police has launched a formal investigation into allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein while serving as business secretary during the financial crisis.
CPS Director Confirms Coordination
At a Wednesday press briefing, Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales, stated: "We are in close contact with both the Met and Thames Valley police, but we haven't been asked for formal advice yet." He emphasized that in complex and sensitive cases, the Crown Prosecution Service and police routinely collaborate, though he clarified that the CPS would not provide step-by-step updates on the ongoing investigations.
Parkinson expressed confidence in the CPS's ability to advise police on the offence of misconduct in public office, despite widespread concerns about the clarity of this common law offence, which is currently being replaced by statutory legislation.
Documentary Evidence and Political Fallout
The allegations stem from documents recently released by the US Department of Justice concerning Epstein's extensive network of wealthy and influential connections. Released emails appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sharing official visit reports to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore with Epstein. Buckingham Palace has responded by stating it remains "ready to support" any police investigation involving Mountbatten-Windsor.
Regarding Mandelson, the released emails reportedly show him claiming to be "trying hard" to change policy on bankers' bonuses, sharing details of an imminent euro bailout package before its official announcement, and suggesting that JP Morgan's chief executive "mildly threaten" the chancellor.
These revelations have intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision last year to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador. The controversy led to the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who accepted full responsibility for advising on the appointment, though this departure has failed to alleviate political pressure on the prime minister.
Denials and Ongoing Investigations
Peter Mandelson has publicly stated that none of the recently released Epstein files "indicate wrongdoing or misdemeanour on my part." Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout his public service career.
Both police investigations continue to develop as authorities examine the complex relationships between Epstein and various British political and royal figures. The Crown Prosecution Service maintains its readiness to provide formal legal advice when requested by investigating officers.
