Prime Minister Affirms Legal Principle Amidst New Allegations Against Prince Andrew
The principle that “nobody is above the law” was emphatically stated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as UK police consider fresh allegations involving Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The comments came in response to questions regarding claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by the late Jeffrey Epstein for encounters with the former prince.
Starmer, speaking to BBC Breakfast, declined to comment on whether Prince Andrew should voluntarily present himself to UK police for questioning. He maintained that such a decision is “a matter for the police,” emphasizing their independent investigative process. However, he underscored the fundamental importance of equal application of the law. “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law,” he said. “It’s a very important principle of our country… and it has to apply in this case in the same way it would in any other case.”
The renewed scrutiny stems from the recent release of documents in the United States related to a trafficking investigation into Epstein. These documents reportedly detail allegations concerning a second woman who was allegedly brought to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. The alleged encounter took place in 2010 at Royal Lodge, the former prince’s residence.
Thames Valley Police is currently assessing whether there are grounds to investigate Prince Andrew for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets, in addition to the allegations of trafficking and sexual assault. According to reports, the woman involved is not British and was in her 20s at the time of the alleged encounter.
Brad Edwards, the woman’s lawyer, has stated that following an overnight stay with Prince Andrew, she was allegedly given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace. This detail adds another layer to the unfolding allegations.
Starmer also indicated he would not obstruct a parliamentary debate on Prince Andrew’s connections to Epstein, should MPs seek to initiate one. “If MPs in Parliament wanted a debate on Andrew’s links to Epstein, he wouldn’t stand in the way,” he stated.
Prince Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. Despite these denials, nine UK police forces are now evaluating whether to launch investigations into Epstein-related allegations, encompassing human trafficking and sexual assault. The Prime Minister’s statement reinforces the government’s position that the legal process must be allowed to proceed without interference, and that all individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to the law.
The ongoing investigations and the Prime Minister’s comments mark a significant moment in the continuing fallout from the Epstein scandal and its implications for prominent figures, including members of the British royal family. The case continues to draw intense public and media attention as authorities work to determine the veracity of the allegations and whether criminal charges will be filed.
