Epstein police urge woman who claims she was sent to UK for sex with Andrew to come forward
Police have asked a woman who claims she was sent to England by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with then-Prince Andrew to come forward and speak to investigators.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, known as the former prince, was arrested on suspicion of abuse of public office (MIPO) in February, but it is understood allegations of sexual harassment are part of the investigation.
Officers appealed to the woman in 2010 after she was allegedly brought to the UK to have sexual intercourse with the then-prince at his residence, the Royal Lodge, and told her her “doors were open”.
Police made clear they were continuing to evaluate the reports as part of the MIPO investigation and said they had contacted the woman’s lawyers, as well as the US Department of Justice, to obtain the original documents released as part of the Epstein files as part of the broader investigation.
Oliver Wright, assistant chief constable for crime and criminal justice at Thames Valley Police, said: “For the victims and survivors of Epstein, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward and I really want to emphasize that our door is open.”
“When a victim survivor is ready to contact us, we are ready for you, whenever that may be.”
Deputy Chief Constable Wright added that a team of “our most experienced specialist investigators” were working on the investigation, which is understood to be on a similar scale to investigations into major crimes, including murder. It is understood that the resources provided to him included officers specialized in investigating sexual crimes.
Police said they were aware that the “international scrutiny” surrounding the investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, combined with the complexity of the investigation, could prevent witnesses from coming forward.
MIPO is a criminal offense involving the intentional serious abuse or neglect of the powers or responsibilities of public office. Police said it was a “crime that can take many different forms” and would result in a “complex” and possibly lengthy investigation.
Thames Valley Police is co-ordinating with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Crime Agency to ensure all relevant information is received.
Police are also understood to be considering whether Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous position as UK trade ambassador amounted to public office. He became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001, but resigned 10 years later amid outrage over his friendship with pedophile financier Epstein.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says in its guidelines that there is “no simple definition” of public duty and that each case must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
MIPO offending can cover a range of acts of misconduct, including sexual misconduct, financial misconduct, corruption and perverting the course of justice. The CPS says prosecutors must be able to prove that the misconduct was directly linked to the public office.
It is not necessary for bad behavior to constitute a crime in order to be taken into consideration. However, if deemed relevant, any action may be pursued through a separate investigation.
In February, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was “assessing” allegations reported by the BBC that a woman was flown to England by Epstein in 2010 to have sex with then-Prince Andrew. The woman, who is not British, was in her twenties at the time of the alleged encounter.
His lawyer Brad Edwards previously told BBC News: “We are talking about at least one woman who was sent to Prince Andrew by Jeffrey Epstein.”
The former prince also faces accusations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while he was trade envoy.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strongly denied all allegations. Independent contacted him for comment on the police’s latest appeal.
It comes after documents released on Thursday showed the late Queen was “very keen” for the then-Duke of York to take on a “significant role in promoting the national interest” before being appointed trade envoy.
The memo was released as part of a dossier section on Andrew’s appointment, which gave him access to senior government and business contacts around the world.
Deputy Chief Constable Wright said: “Our investigation into misconduct in public office is ongoing. Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take many different forms, which complicates the investigation.”
“Our team of highly experienced detectives is working diligently on a significant amount of information from the public and other sources. We are committed to pursuing a thorough investigation through all reasonable investigative channels, wherever it leads.”
“We would encourage anyone with information to contact us through normal non-emergency contact channels, such as Thames Valley Police.” online portal.
“I understand the high interest in this study, but please be patient as we continue to actively advance our research. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate.”
