Andrew could face misconduct in public office inquiry over Epstein Files

Detectives are ‘making progress’ in their assessment of allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive government documents with Jeffrey Epstein.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it was looking into claims the disgraced former prince divulged confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with the sex offender.

Earlier this week, the King made clear his ‘profound concern’ at the allegations relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed it will ‘stand ready to support’ the police if approached over the claims.

The allegations relate to Andrew’s time as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment.

Emails released in the latest tranche of Epstein Files appear to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.

One email, dated November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, Andrew looped Epstein in on a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Files released by US authorities also include claims a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said this evening: ‘We can confirm that Thames Valley Police is leading the ongoing assessment of allegations relating to misconduct in public office.

‘This specifically relates to documents within the United States Department of Justice’s Epstein Files.

‘As part of this assessment, we have engaged in discussions with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the CPS.

‘We will provide updates as and when they are available, but at this stage it would be inappropriate to discuss further specifics of this work.

‘During an assessment phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offence is suspected and whether a full investigation is required.

‘Allegations of misconduct in public office involve particular complexities, and therefore an assessment must be conducted carefully and thoroughly.

‘While we cannot provide timescales over when a decision as to whether a criminal investigation will be opened, we can assure you that Thames Valley Police is making progress as quickly as possible.’

The update comes after Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson told journalists that while the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had not been asked for formal advice, the organisations were in contact.

Mr Parkinson said: ‘We are in close contact with both the Met and Thames Valley Police, but we haven’t been asked for formal advice yet.

‘In complex and sensitive cases, the CPS and the police do work together.

‘And I’m sure in respect of the investigation that has been announced, we will do so.’

Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has always denied any wrongdoing and last week finally left Royal Lodge for the King’s private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new life with an annual stipend.

Much of the work of the royal family in recent weeks has been overshadowed by the ongoing Epstein scandal, despite the King’s attempts to draw a line under the matter when he banished Andrew in October by stripping him of his right to be a prince and of his dukedom.

The fresh trove of documents released by the US department of justice has sparked a string of allegations against Andrew and led to police launching an investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office.

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