CPS Maintains Close Police Contact Amid Epstein Files Assessment
Prosecutors have been revealed to be in close contact with both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police as their ongoing assessment of the Jeffrey Epstein files continues. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson confirmed today that the Crown Prosecution Service has not yet been asked for formal advice regarding the sensitive documents.
Police Collaboration on Complex Cases
Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Parkinson stated: 'We are in close contact with both the Met and Thames Valley Police, but we haven't been asked for formal advice yet.' He elaborated that in complex and sensitive cases, the CPS and police forces routinely work together, adding: 'And I'm sure in respect of the investigation that has been announced, we will do so.'
The Director of Public Prosecutions made clear that the current position involves established contact between agencies, but cautioned that 'we won't be giving step-by-step updates' as the assessment progresses.
Multiple Investigations Underway
Thames Valley Police confirmed on Monday that it is assessing allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails released by the US Department of Justice last month appear to show the former duke sharing official visit reports to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into former business secretary Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. This inquiry relates to claims that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to Epstein during the financial crisis period.
Legal Confidence in Prosecution Advice
When questioned about potential difficulties in advising on the offence of misconduct in public office—a common law crime considered by some to be poorly defined—Mr Parkinson expressed confidence in the CPS's ability to provide clear guidance. He responded: 'The law is quite clear. The Attorney General's reference in 2003 gave guidance about the constituents of the offence of misconduct in public office. No, I don't think it'd be difficult to give advice on that.'
The Director of Public Prosecutions explained that criminal case advice rarely concerns the law itself, but rather 'the application of the law in the context', adding: 'I'm confident we would be able to give advice.'
Royal Crisis Shows No Signs of Abating
The reignited crisis engulfing both the monarchy and Westminster has shown little sign of diminishing since US authorities released millions of documents associated with Epstein. On Monday, King Charles expressed his 'profound concern' at allegations about Andrew's conduct, with Buckingham Palace stating it will 'stand ready to support' police if approached regarding the claims.
The Palace has not yet been contacted by Thames Valley Police concerning allegations relating to Andrew's tenure as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday, with Kensington Palace stating they were 'deeply concerned' at the 'continued revelations' and that their thoughts 'remain focused on the victims'.
Specific Allegations and Responses
Among the numerous claims contained within the latest document release are several serious allegations:
- That a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010
- That a second woman was similarly sent for a sexual encounter with the former prince
- That Andrew and Epstein asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein's Florida residence
- That Andrew shared confidential reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore
One particularly revealing email, dated November 2010, shows Andrew forwarding correspondence just five minutes after receiving it from his then-special adviser, Amir Patel. Another communication from Christmas Eve 2010 reveals Andrew including Epstein in a confidential brief regarding investment opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand Province reconstruction.
Political and Public Responses
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, confirmed he has reported the allegations to police. The Duke of Edinburgh became the first royal family member to publicly comment since the Epstein documents were released, stating last week that it was important to 'remember the victims' when asked how he was coping with the situation.
Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He recently left Royal Lodge for the King's private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new living arrangements through an annual stipend. This follows the late Queen stripping Andrew of his honorary military roles in 2022, when he also gave up using his HRH style after the civil sex case brought by Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Giuffre, who died last year from suicide, alleged she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, including when she was seventeen years old and during an orgy, after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew paid millions to settle the civil sex case with her in 2022 while maintaining he had never met her.
