British police are contacting former protection officers who worked for Prince Andrew, urging them to come forward with any information related to allegations of sex offenses involving Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, his 66th birthday.
Prince Andrew Arrested, Investigation Widens
The arrest relates to allegations that Prince Andrew sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein, whose death in a New York jail in 2019 was ruled a suicide, and previously expressed regret over their friendship.
A British official stated the government will consider legislation to remove Prince Andrew from the line of royal succession once the police investigation concludes. Any changes to his position – currently eighth in line to the throne – would require agreement with other Commonwealth realms where King Charles is head of state.
London’s Metropolitan Police are now identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely with the royal, requesting they share any relevant information from their time of service. The police continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward, stating all allegations will be taken seriously.
In 2022, Prince Andrew settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. British media reports indicated Giuffre received around 12 million pounds ($16.2 million) from the Duke, who maintains he never met her.
London police previously investigated allegations of trafficking for sexual exploitation related to Epstein in 2016, deciding against a criminal investigation at that time. That decision has been reviewed three times and remains unchanged.
Epstein Files Prompt Further Scrutiny
The recent release of U.S. government documents pertaining to Epstein has prompted police to investigate whether London airports were used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They are actively seeking further details from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States.
Three other police forces in Britain are also examining private flight links to Epstein at airports outside of London.
Prince Andrew has been released under investigation after being held by Thames Valley police for over 10 hours. A photograph of the Duke after his release, appearing distressed, was widely circulated in the media.
King Charles responded to the arrest with “deepest concern,” stating, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.” Julian Payne, Charles’ former communications chief, noted the king’s statement was designed to demonstrate leadership on the matter.
Thames Valley Police have searched Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate, where Prince Andrew currently resides, and continue to search his former mansion in Windsor.
An arrest does not imply guilt, but a conviction for misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and would be handled in a Crown Court.
The recent release of Epstein files revealed Prince Andrew remained friends with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The files also suggest he shared British government reports regarding investment opportunities with Epstein.
The arrest of a senior royal is considered unprecedented in modern times.
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