British police are examining fresh allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential trade documents with Jeffrey Epstein, as new material released by US investigators renews scrutiny of the late financier’s ties with powerful figures and prompts concern within the royal family.
British police said they are examining allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein, as Prince William’s office said he was “deeply concerned” about fresh revelations from a US investigation into the late sex offender.
Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London including Windsor, where Andrew once lived, said it began assessing the matter after media reports highlighted emails suggesting the then prince sent Epstein reports from a 2010 tour of Southeast Asia. At the time, Andrew was serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade.
Complaint and official response
An anti-monarchy campaigner said he had reported Andrew for suspected misconduct in public office and possible breaches of the Official Secrets Act. The emails were among more than 3 million pages of documents released last month by the US Justice Department.
“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” Thames Valley Police said in a statement.
Royals seek to distance themselves
King Charles III last year stripped his 65-year-old brother of his royal titles following earlier disclosures about his links to Epstein. Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
The royal family continued efforts to distance itself from the scandal on Monday, as Prince William and Princess Catherine issued their first statement on the US document release. The files detail how Epstein cultivated relationships with wealthy and influential figures and suggest that Andrew’s association with him continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Focus on victims amid public scrutiny
A spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales were “deeply concerned by the continued revelations” and that their focus remained on the victims. The statement was issued as William travelled to Saudi Arabia for an official visit.
The sensitivity surrounding the issue was visible during King Charles’s visit to Lancashire, where one person in the crowd shouted, “How long have you known about Andrew?”
Emails uncovered in recent days appear to show that Andrew sent Epstein copies of his reports from the 2010 Southeast Asia trip shortly after returning to Britain. Earlier correspondence also suggests he shared his itinerary for visits to Hanoi, Saigon, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong with Epstein.
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