Met asks Andrew's protection officers what they saw or heard in Epstein inquiry

Met asks Andrew's protection officers what they saw or heard in Epstein inquiry

The Metropolitan Police have reached out to former and current protection officers tasked with guarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, requesting that they come forward with any information that might assist ongoing investigations related to the Epstein files. Authorities are “identifying and contacting” those who had close involvement with Andrew and urging them to thoroughly consider whether they observed or heard anything pertinent during their service.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was detained by Thames Valley Police but subsequently released under investigation, continues to deny any wrongdoing. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the Thames Valley Police will formally charge the former royal. Nine police forces across the United Kingdom are currently weighing the possibility of opening their own inquiries following the disclosure of over three million documents connected to the Epstein case. At this stage, the Metropolitan Police have found no evidence implicating any protection officers and report no new criminal allegations pertaining to sexual offences within their jurisdiction.

The police have also indicated they are examining claims that London airports might have been used in activities linked to human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Coordinating with US law enforcement agencies, they are seeking further details to support their assessment. Recently, unmarked police vehicles were observed entering and leaving Royal Lodge, the large 30-room Windsor estate where Andrew lived until February. Since his departure, officials believe many of his possessions remain on the premises. Aerial photos reveal a large evidence tent on the grounds, with more than twenty police vehicles reportedly present at times, although it is unclear if all were associated with the investigation.

Officers are conducting a methodical search of Royal Lodge, inspecting each room for items potentially related to the inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Should relevant evidence be uncovered, it will require careful cataloging and storage, a process expected to take some time. Sources suggest that these searches may extend through to Monday. Meanwhile, Andrew has been residing for the past two weeks at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where police have concluded their searches. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Thames Valley Police will eventually decide whether to proceed with charges of misconduct in public office against him, although any major decision is unlikely to occur quickly, possibly taking weeks or months.

The CPS has not yet formally joined the Thames Valley Police investigation. While informal discussions may have taken place, prosecutors have not provided official guidance or advice to the detectives. A CPS spokesperson stated, “We are in close contact with police regarding high-profile individuals. We remain ready to support any police investigations if needed.” The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor follows revelations from the Epstein files suggesting that he shared sensitive government documents and commercial information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Among these were reports from trade missions and a confidential briefing on investment prospects in Afghanistan. Further documents imply that Andrew passed on a Treasury briefing to a personal business associate.

Under established official protocols, trade envoys are obligated to keep confidential details of sensitive political, commercial, or diplomatic information obtained during their official duties. Although the police investigation focuses on allegations of misconduct in public office, the precise details of the accusations have not been publicly disclosed. It is possible that the inquiry covers matters beyond the emails and documents published as part of the Epstein case in the United States. Buckingham Palace has expressed its cooperation with Thames Valley Police, meaning that communications involving Andrew held by the Palace could be examined as part of the investigation. This could potentially reveal additional evidence.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles late last year, holds the distinction of being the first senior member of the British Royal Family in modern times to be arrested. Throughout the ongoing scrutiny, he has consistently denied any misconduct linked to his association with Epstein and has not responded to specific questions from the BBC regarding the files released earlier this year

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