Police appeal for information in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation | UK news
Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are appealing for witnesses to contact them if they believe they have information about allegations of sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud or the sharing of confidential information about the king’s brother.
Thames Valley police have vowed to meticulously investigate allegations against ex Prince Andrew in a sign that the “unprecedented investigation” will potentially widen.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested in February and questioned under criminal caution on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to her role as British trade envoy.
According to allegations emerging from documents released by the US Department of Justice, he allegedly passed information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince denies all wrongdoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said Thames Valley Police (TVP) was already working on a “significant amount” of information from various witnesses.
But police are concerned that people with information about criminal offenses may incorrectly assume that detectives are only interested in one narrow matter – the alleged passing of classified information.
A number of allegations about the former prince’s behavior that have already been made public, as well as in the media, are raising concerns about other potential allegations. Police have not yet been contacted by any witnesses they believe may have been there.
Police emphasize that misconduct in public office (MIPO) covers a range of offences, including sexual misconduct, willful dereliction of duty, perverting the course of justice and dishonest or fraudulent conduct, among others.
Wright said: “Misconduct in public office is an offense 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 communication channels, such as Thames Valley police.” online portal.”
It is understood that information has already been or will be received from the royal family and government departments, such as that regarding the former prince’s appointment as trade envoy. Detectives are expected to seek documents and witnesses regarding what is expected in terms of conduct and ethics in the role of trade ambassador.
TVP is also expected to hear from the Metropolitan police, which has twice considered allegations against the king’s brother and refused to investigate. While he was an official working royal, the Met provided his armed guards; He lost that status amid outrage over his friendship with Epstein.
Detectives specializing in sexual crimes are involved in the TVP investigation. Police are still assessing a woman’s claim that she was taken to an address in Windsor for sexual purposes in 2010. It’s not a full criminal investigation yet. The woman lives in the United States and detectives contacted her through her lawyer.
Wright said: “We have spoken to the woman’s legal representative to confirm that if she wishes to report this to the police it will be taken seriously and treated with care, sensitivity and respect for her right to privacy and anonymity.
“We recognize how difficult it can be to talk about such experiences and any contact with the police will be guided by his wishes if and when he feels ready and able.”
Wright said police will listen and investigate and “when they feel ready and capable, they will come forward and talk to us.”
If the investigation takes a long time and evidence emerges to support criminal charges, it is expected that no criminal charges will be filed until 2027.
Three British forces are carrying out extensive criminal investigations triggered by other revelations in the Epstein files; Several others are considering allegations of flights connecting to the disgraced financier entering the UK.
Police investigating former Prince Andrew believe obtaining the original Epstein documents is “extremely important”. At the moment they and other UK forces only have printouts from the Ministry of Justice website. US officials refused to hand over the original documents and told British police to make a formal international legal request for assistance; This request, if granted, could take months.
As well as the TVP investigation into Mounbatten-Windsor, the Met is investigating Peter Mandelson for misconduct in public office and Surrey police this week announced they were investigating historic child sex abuse allegations arising from the Epstein files.
Following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, police conducted a brief search of her home in Norfolk and a week-long search of the Windsor mansion where she had lived for decades. Investigation of the seized materials continues.
One key issue for police is to obtain evidence proving the former prince’s role as trade ambassador was within MIPO rules.
Police held early talks with lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service, which allows criminal charges in England and Wales.
TVP did not officially name Mountbatten-Windsor as the person they arrested in February.
