Pressure Mounts for Prince Andrew to Face Police Questioning Over Epstein Ties
London – Former UK trade envoy Prince Andrew is facing renewed calls to cooperate with police investigations into his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as newly released evidence continues to surface. The scrutiny comes amid growing concerns about the role of UK institutions in the Epstein scandal, prompting questions about potential breaches of protocol and the handling of sensitive information.
The latest disclosures, including emails between Prince Andrew and Epstein, reveal the former prince sharing information about potential investments with his friend while serving as a public official. This has fueled accusations of a conflict of interest and raised questions about whether confidential government reports were inappropriately shared.
Gordon Brown, a former Prime Minister, has publicly stated his belief that Prince Andrew should be questioned by police. Brown, who has been meticulously examining the Epstein files, expressed shock at the “extent of betrayal” and the “abuse of women by male predators and their enablers – and Britain’s as yet unacknowledged role.” He pointed to flight records and other evidence as justification for police involvement.
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is assessing information related to allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential government reports with Epstein detailing trips to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011. The force is also reviewing a separate allegation that Epstein sent a woman to Andrew at the Royal Lodge residence in 2010 for sexual purposes. A police spokesperson stated they are assessing this information “in line with our established procedures.”
Buckingham Palace has issued a statement indicating King Charles III will support police if approached, emphasizing the King’s “profound concern” at the allegations. The palace stated it “stands ready to support” any investigation, a move seen as a significant shift in response to the ongoing scandal.
The newly released emails also cast doubt on previous statements made by Prince Andrew regarding the timeline of his relationship with Epstein. A 2011 email, sent after Prince Andrew claimed to have cut ties with Epstein, expresses gratitude for Epstein’s assistance with a matter concerning his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Another email from February 2011 reveals Prince Andrew’s intention to enter an “annual retreat” shortly after the exchange.
Further complicating matters, a 2020 exchange between Andrew’s lawyers and the US Department of Justice reveals repeated requests for an interview with the former prince. The US authorities were increasingly frustrated by the lack of cooperation, repeatedly asking, “Please advise as to whether Prince Andrew will agree to be interviewed and, if so, when such interview will take place.”
The disclosures also include a photograph of Prince Andrew leaning over a woman on the floor, the woman’s face redacted. This image, along with previously published photographs, has further damaged Prince Andrew’s reputation and fueled calls for transparency.
Members of Parliament are also increasing pressure for accountability. Sarah Owen, chair of the Commons women and equalities committee, questioned Cabinet Office parliamentary secretary Chris Ward about Prince Andrew’s potential cooperation with investigations. Owen argued that it is time for MPs to move beyond deference to the royal family and demand answers.
The latest revelations build upon previous disclosures, including a 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis on BBC Newsnight, in which Prince Andrew offered explanations for his relationship with Epstein that have since been widely questioned. His claims about a lack of contact with Epstein after 2010, and his explanation of a photograph with Virginia Giuffre, are now being re-examined in light of the new evidence.
As the scrutiny intensifies, questions remain about the extent of Prince Andrew’s knowledge of Epstein’s activities and whether he appropriately disclosed his relationship with the convicted sex offender while serving as a public official. The ongoing investigations and continued release of evidence suggest that this scandal is far from over.
