Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to fly to US to speak to Virginia Giuffre’s family
British detectives are set to fly to the US to speak to family members of Virginia Giuffre as part of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) wants to meet with the relatives of Giuffre, who died by suicide at the age of 41 in April last year, about sexual assault allegations against the former prince. Independent he understands.
Giuffre claims she was sexually assaulted three times by Mr Mountbatten-Windsor when she was under 18 after being trafficked by pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Detectives are understood to be planning to visit Giuffre’s brother and sister-in-law, Sky and Amanda Roberts, in the coming weeks.
The pair have publicly voiced their support for Giuffre and the police investigation since Giuffre’s death, and released a statement after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest in February, saying: “Our broken hearts are buoyed by the news that no one, not even the royal family, is above the law.”
It came after police issued a wide-ranging plea for witnesses, highlighting that an investigation into allegations of misconduct in a public office (MIPO) could involve a wide range of misconduct, including sexual offences.
The investigation surrounds Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as trade ambassador, which he assumed in 2001. The former prince resigned after 10 years amid outrage over his friendship with Epstein.
Detectives have previously urged a woman who claimed she was sent to England by Epstein to have sex with the former Duke of York to come forward and said her “doors are open”. The woman, whose name has not been released, claimed she was brought to the UK for sexual intercourse at the then prince’s Royal Lodge home in 2010.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strongly denied all allegations.
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 likely lengthy investigation.
A source previously said police feared people believed the investigation was focused solely on possible financial crime but this “couldn’t be further from the truth”.
“It covers many others, including misconduct in public office, sexual offences, fraud, corruption, perverting the course of justice and many others,” they added.
“We have a much broader perspective. We are investigating all aspects and will go where the evidence takes us.”
The force also said it had contacted relevant US authorities to obtain the original documents released as part of the Epstein files as part of the broader investigation.
A TVP spokesman said: “Our investigation into misconduct in public office is ongoing. We cannot go into the details of the investigation but we are pursuing all reasonable avenues of investigation.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or finding it difficult to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit . Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you.
