Police forces launch Epstein probe as Andrew rejects claims | UK | News
(FILES) Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York, reacts as he arrives for the royal family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, on December 25, 2022. Britain’s former prince Andrew has moved out of the royal family’s lavish home on the Windsor estate under cover of darkness, according to media reports on February 4, 2026, as newly released documents threaten fresh scandal over his links to the late sex offender. Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo: Daniel LEAL / AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
According to reports, seven police forces are currently examining the Epstein files in a nationwide investigation reportedly linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Allegations were made that Epstein’s victims flew to Stansted Airport on the Lolita Express. Up to 90 flights are thought to have landed at the airport’s private terminal; 15 of these occurred after the US financier was imprisoned for sexual offenses against children in 2008. mirror reports.
Essex Police are currently reviewing flight logs and emails. Late on Tuesday, Essex Police said: “We are assessing information that has emerged regarding private flights to and from Stansted Airport following the release of the US Department of Justice Epstein files.”
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown claimed messages in the Epstein files linked Andrew, 65, to at least one victim who was taken to the airport on the “Lolita Express” before being secretly brought to Buckingham Palace. According to The Sun.
The investigation follows at least six forces evaluating evidence in the Epstein files. These forces include the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley, Surrey, Norfolk and Bedfordshire.
FILE – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, of England, Windsor Castle, St. Louis, England. She looks around after attending Easter Matins Service in St. George’s Chapel, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File) (Image: AP)
Wiltshire Police is also assisting the Met’s investigation into Peter Manelson, who is accused of passing information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary.
Surrey Police are in contact with “relevant agencies” to gain access to unredacted files linked to child abuse allegations against Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
A representative for the force said: “After reviewing our systems using the limited information available to us, we have found no evidence that these allegations have been reported to Surrey Police. We are therefore in contact with the relevant agencies to gain access to the unregistered information.”
Thames Valley Police are investigating multiple allegations relating to former prince Andrew. Police are investigating allegations that a woman in her 20s was sent to England by Epstein in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at the Royal Lodge.
TVP is also co-ordinating with prosecutors regarding allegations against Andrew during his time as UK trade envoy from 2001-11.
Read more: ‘Avalanche’ of Andrew scandal means King Charles could ‘play rare card’
Read more: ‘I was a royal constable; ‘Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had a cruel nickname’
Bedfordshire Police are understood to be investigating the Luton flights.
Norfolk Police have not received any allegations but are reviewing documents on file “to ensure that all relevant information has been appropriately considered”.
The Met confirmed that, as part of the Mandelson investigation, they contacted the FBI in a bid to obtain unregistered documents.
An expert group was later established by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to communicate with U.S. law enforcement.
The group, which is due to meet this week, is made up of police experts on sexual offenses and is chaired by former Met Deputy Commissioner Gold Commander Louisa Rolfe. The group was created to assist forces “to ensure consistency of approach.”
Jeffrey Epstein’s flight records to a UK airport are being examined (Image: AP)
Given the volume of allegations and information contained in the files, a nationwide investigation led by the Met seems likely.
The Met is facing intense pressure to launch a separate investigation into the sex allegations against Andrew, alongside the investigation into Mandelson. The Met had previously questioned Virginia Giuffre in 2015 following allegations that she was trafficked by Epstein as a 17-year-old to have sex with Andrew at Maxwell’s London flat in 2001, but decided not to take further action.
The NPCC said: “We continue to work collaboratively to evaluate the details made public to ensure we understand the potential impacts arising from the millions of documents released.
“We continue to support our partners and contribute in any way we can to help achieve justice for victims and survivors.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Just because it is mentioned in the files does not mean that it was done wrong.
