UK Prosecutor Vows 'Nobody Above Law' as Police Probe Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
The UK's top prosecutor has declared that "nobody is above the law" as detectives intensify their investigation into Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, emphasised his commitment to enforcing the law impartially, stating he has "total confidence" in detectives examining evidence for potential criminality.
Emails Expose Confidential Information Sharing
Emails from the Epstein files reveal that Prince Andrew, who served as the UK's special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011, allegedly shared sensitive government information with Epstein. This includes leaks about the Royal Bank of Scotland bailout and official diplomatic cables on UK-China trade relations, which were passed to a banker friend of the former prince.
Evidence compiled by the Mail on Sunday shows how Epstein influenced Prince Andrew's official duties, with business associate David Stern organising meetings based on Epstein's suggestions during taxpayer-funded trips to China in 2010. Epstein boasted in an email about having "the UK sewn up," highlighting the extent of his access through Prince Andrew and former minister Peter Mandelson.
Scrutiny Over Official Conduct and Meetings
During a 2010 trade mission to Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, Prince Andrew was accompanied by Stern, who was in regular contact with Epstein. The trip included a dinner arranged by Epstein at a five-star hotel in Beijing with senior banker Jes Staley, later exposed as Epstein's personal banker. New photos also show Prince Andrew socialising with a Chinese model at an official dinner, raising questions about his conduct while representing the UK.
Further revelations indicate Stern plotted with Epstein to pursue "discreet" deals with the Chinese government post-mission, and advised Epstein on illegally hiding his child sexual abuse conviction to obtain a visa to China after an initial rejection.
Calls for Comprehensive Police Investigation
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a full police investigation, describing the findings as "the biggest scandal of all" and highlighting Britain's unacknowledged role in enabling abuse. Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat leader, echoed this, urging checks for criminal corruption during Prince Andrew's tenure as trade envoy and a government inquiry into how such behaviour was permitted.
Thames Valley police are reviewing allegations, including that Epstein provided a woman to Prince Andrew for sex in 2010 and potential misconduct in public office. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
