The Metropolitan Police has announced it will review a new allegation concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This latest claim suggests that Epstein trafficked a woman to the United Kingdom to have sexual relations with Andrew at the Royal Lodge in Windsor during 2010.
Details of the Allegation
According to reports that emerged over the weekend, the woman involved, who is not British and was in her twenties at the time, has alleged through her US lawyer, Brad Edwards, that she spent a night at the then prince's residence. It is further claimed that she was later given a tour of Buckingham Palace following the incident.
Police Response and Procedures
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police, whose jurisdiction includes the Royal Lodge area, stated: "We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures."
The spokesperson emphasised that the force takes any reports of sexual crimes "extremely seriously" and encouraged individuals with information to come forward. However, they noted that at this stage, neither the woman's lawyer nor the client has formally reported these allegations to Thames Valley Police.
It is important to clarify that this review does not automatically mean a criminal investigation will be launched. The Metropolitan Police will conduct an assessment to determine whether further action is warranted based on the available evidence.
Background and Context
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. His involvement with the convicted sex offender ultimately led King Charles to strip him of his royal titles and military affiliations.
These latest revelations became public following the US Department of Justice's release of additional documents concerning Epstein and his connections to wealthy and influential individuals on Friday. The documents reportedly include photographs showing Andrew crouched over a woman.
Royal Family Reaction
Prince Edward, Andrew's brother, made the first public comments by a senior royal since the documents were released. Speaking in Dubai on Tuesday, Edward stated: "I think it's all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this."
His remarks underscore the ongoing focus on the victims of Epstein's trafficking network, which has ensnared numerous high-profile figures across multiple countries.
Previous Investigations and Campaigns
This is not the first time British police have examined allegations involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. In December, the Metropolitan Police decided after a review not to launch a full criminal investigation into two other matters.
Those matters included allegations that Andrew had sex in London in 2001 with Virginia Giuffre, who was then a teenager trafficked by Epstein, and that he pressured his police protection officer to gather compromising information about her.
The anti-monarchy campaign group Republic had previously called for British police to investigate claims that Epstein trafficked a woman to the UK for sex with Andrew in 2010. Their advocacy highlights the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding these allegations and their implications for the monarchy.
As the review process begins, authorities will carefully evaluate the credibility and substance of these new claims while maintaining their commitment to proper investigative procedures and victim support.
