Police in the United Kingdom are set to examine whether Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles III, shared confidential commercial or political information with the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein during the period when Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011.
Epstein, who was accused in the United States of running a sex trafficking network involving underage girls, was found dead in his prison cell while awaiting trial. British authorities are now assessing whether Prince Andrew had improper contacts with Epstein during his official tenure.
The anti-monarchy group Republic filed a formal complaint with Thames Valley Police, alleging that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared sensitive trade and political intelligence with Epstein.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “We have received a report regarding this matter and, in line with our procedures, we will assess the information provided.”
REPORTS SENT TO EPSTEIN
Between 2001 and 2011, Prince Andrew held the position of the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment and carried out official visits to several countries.
Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the so-called Epstein files revealed that in 2010, reports prepared for Andrew regarding his visits to Vietnam, China, and Hong Kong were forwarded to Epstein.
Another email from the same year showed that Andrew also sent Epstein briefing notes he had received about potential investment opportunities linked to Afghanistan’s reconstruction process.
Although special representatives in the UK are not classified as civil servants, they are bound by confidentiality obligations under the Official Secrets Acts of 1911 and 1989. These obligations continue even after their official duties end.
Accordingly, details related to Andrew’s official visits will remain classified until 2065, when they are scheduled to be released by the Foreign Office.
CHARLES FACED PROTESTS
Meanwhile, King Charles III was protested during a visit to the Lancashire region over his brother’s links to Epstein.
As the King greeted members of the public at the train station in the town of Clitheroe, one individual shouted, “How long did you know about Andrew’s (Epstein connections)?” in protest.
The protester was booed by the crowd and removed by security officers. King Charles did not respond to the question.
This marked the second protest King Charles has faced over Prince Andrew’s Epstein ties, following a similar incident during a visit to Essex last week.
“CRIME SCENE – DO NOT ENTER” TAPE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
In an earlier statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The King and Queen wish to express their deepest sympathy and continued support for all victims and survivors of abuse.”
However, the recent protests indicate that public expectations remain high for a more comprehensive explanation from both the Palace and the King.
On February 4, members of the anti-monarchy group Republic placed “crime scene – do not enter” tape outside Buckingham Palace, protesting what they described as the Royal Family’s silence despite Prince Andrew’s name appearing in the Epstein documents.
ALL TITLES STRIPPED
Prince Andrew’s close association with Epstein was detailed in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre alleged that she had sexual relations with Andrew when she was 17 years old.
Andrew denied the allegations but relinquished all his royal titles, including Duke of York, in an effort to avoid further damage to the Royal Family. In the final months of last year, amid mounting pressure and newly disclosed documents, King Charles III also stripped him of the title of “Prince.”
Around the same period, details emerged regarding Andrew’s residence, which he has occupied since 2003. He reportedly secured a 75-year lease on the Royal Lodge estate for £1 million while paying a relatively modest annual rent.
Public backlash over royal finances and the use of taxpayer money to cover Andrew’s expenses led to parliamentary scrutiny of the arrangement.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer whether he would support an inquiry into the Crown Estate to protect taxpayers’ interests, including summoning the current occupant of Royal Lodge. Starmer replied: “When it comes to the Crown Estate, it is important that there is appropriate scrutiny. I absolutely support that.”
Under growing pressure, Andrew vacated his home at Windsor Castle yesterday and moved into a farmhouse on the grounds of Sandringham House, which is privately owned by King Charles.
It also emerged that Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, had maintained a friendship with Epstein. As a result, several charities for which Ferguson served as honorary president severed ties with her.
The Sarah Foundation, which bore her name, announced its closure after revelations that Ferguson had taken her daughters to Epstein’s private island.
