CPS Confirms Advisory Role in Epstein Investigation
The Crown Prosecution Service has officially confirmed it is providing early investigative advice to police forces conducting inquiries into the connections between Lord Peter Mandelson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes as the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police continue their separate investigations into the two prominent figures.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, and Lord Peter Mandelson, who previously served as the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, were both arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office. These arrests specifically relate to their alleged links with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted paedophile financier who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Both individuals have since been released under investigation, meaning they remain under police scrutiny while not in custody. A CPS spokesperson stated on Wednesday: "We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the force's investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested."
The spokesperson added: "We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man. We remain ready to support any investigation if needed." These age references correspond to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Mandelson respectively.
Royal Visit Proceeds Amid Controversy
This police activity unfolds against the backdrop of King Charles III's scheduled state visit to the United States next month. The long-planned historic trip to see former President Donald Trump will proceed in late April despite calls for postponement or cancellation due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
However, it is understood that Charles and Queen Camilla will not be able to meet with Epstein victims during their visit while UK police investigations into Epstein-related matters continue. This position has drawn criticism from various quarters.
US Congressman Ro Khanna wrote directly to the King on Monday, urging him to meet privately with survivors during the state visit. Similarly, the family of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent accusers, issued a statement to BBC Newsnight on Tuesday evening, strongly encouraging the King to meet with them and other survivors of the financier's abuse network.
Political and Police Responses
At a Wednesday press conference, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to comment on whether there was a "moral case" for the King to meet victims when questioned by reporters. Instead, Starmer emphasized that the primary focus of the royal visit would be commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Meanwhile, the National Police Chiefs' Council announced on Tuesday that the police response to the release of Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice would be significantly intensified. A dedicated investigative group will examine the "scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based violence against women and girls offending within the files."
The NPCC has extended invitations to alleged Epstein victims who have spoken to UK media outlets, encouraging them to discuss with investigators any potential crimes that may have occurred on British soil. This represents a coordinated effort to thoroughly examine all Epstein-related activities with UK connections.
