Former Prince Andrew probe now involves UK prosecutors
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is now at the center of an investigation involving UK prosecutors.
Officials from the Crown Prosecution Service are trying to provide guidance to police examining the former Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 after committing suicide in his New York prison cell at the age of 66.
On Wednesday, the CPS confirmed it had provided “early investigation advice” to both the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police as investigations into Andrew’s behavior continued.
Andrew, who was arrested on his 66th birthday in February on suspicion of abuse of public office, is being investigated over allegations that he shared commercially sensitive information with Epstein while serving as Britain’s special trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Police are also investigating separate allegations that a woman was trafficked to England by Epstein to have sex with Andrew.
The CPS is also advising police on an investigation into politician Peter Mandelson, 72, who was arrested on suspicion of the same offence.
A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We can confirm that we have now advised the Metropolitan Police to investigate early in relation to the force’s investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested.”
The spokesman added: “We can now also confirm that we have provided early investigation advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man.”
They also said, “We are ready to support any investigation if necessary.”
The CPS provides guidance to police during investigations, including advice on gathering evidence and whether a case meets the criminal threshold.
Prosecutors will consider whether there is a “realistic prospect” of conviction before proceeding with the case.
Andrew was photographed in the back of a car following nearly 12 hours of police interrogation following his arrest.
Officers then carried out searches at Wood Farm, his temporary residence, and Royal Lodge, where devices were seized as part of the investigation.
The actions followed the release of extensive files linked to Epstein.
Andrew denied any wrongdoing.
He was released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of abuse of public office for allegedly sharing sensitive information with his long-time friend Epstein while serving as British trade envoy.
