Detectives investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office have renewed their appeal for people to come forward with information.
Police stress inquiry is broad
It is understood investigators are concerned that witnesses may believe the inquiry is focused solely on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared a confidential trade report with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Misconduct in public office is a complex offence that can cover a wide range of alleged behaviour, including abuse of position, sexual misconduct, corruption, and financial misconduct.
The investigation into the former Prince Andrew was triggered by the release of US Department of Justice files connected to its Jeffrey Epstein investigation. However, Thames Valley Police have not yet formally received material from the department and are relying on publicly released documents.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor, died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein and has denied receiving personal benefit from his role as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Searches and witness interviews
He was arrested on 19 February and released under investigation. Police have referred to him only as “a man in his 60s from Norfolk”, in line with standard practice for uncharged suspects.
He was questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office after emails published in the Epstein Files appeared to suggest he had shared confidential information with Epstein.
Detectives also searched his residence on King Charles III’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk and his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
In a fresh update, Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright repeated calls for witnesses to come forward.
“We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us,” Wright said.
“Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation.
“There’s a number of aspects of alleged misconduct that the investigation is examining.”
Concerns over public perception
BBC News understands detectives are concerned there may be a public perception that the inquiry is narrowly focused on confidential information rather than broader allegations potentially involving individuals.
The offence of misconduct in public office can include allegations involving abuse of position, personal gain, corruption and sexual misconduct.
Investigators reportedly do not want people to believe the inquiry concerns only misconduct involving “the state” rather than possible crimes involving individuals.
Co-operation with US authorities
In its statement, Thames Valley Police said officers had been working with the US Department of Justice to obtain further information related to the investigation.
The formal request is being handled through the National Crime Agency.
It is understood detectives are satisfied with the level of co-operation from both the UK government and the Royal Household.
Police also confirmed they have already interviewed several witnesses and are in ongoing contact with the Crown Prosecution Service for “early investigative advice”.
The force is part of a national co-ordinating group organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council examining material linked to the Epstein Files.
This includes contacting known victims of Epstein and encouraging others to come forward.
“We hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward whenever they are ready to engage with us; our door is always open,” Thames Valley Police said.
No charging decision expected soon
Wright acknowledged concerns that alleged victims and survivors may feel discouraged from speaking to police because of the intense public and international attention surrounding the case.
He said the investigation was “continuing at pace”.
However, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that police and prosecutors will reach a decision on possible charges before 2027.
Following a BBC report that a woman in her 20s had allegedly been sent by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, police said they had contacted the woman’s lawyer as part of assessing the allegation.
Thames Valley Police said they had assured her legal representative that any report made to police would be treated “with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity”.
A formal investigation into the allegation has not been opened.
Source: BBC
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