UK Police Assesses Claims ex-Prince Andrew Sent Epstein Sensitive Trade Reports/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ British police are assessing allegations that former Prince Andrew shared confidential trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein. The claims stem from newly released U.S. Justice Department files containing emails from Andrew’s time as a trade envoy. The revelations have intensified efforts by the royal family to distance itself from the Epstein scandal.
Prince Andrew Epstein Trade Claims Quick Looks
- Thames Valley Police reviewing claims involving former Prince Andrew
- Emails allegedly show trade reports sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010
- Documents released under U.S. Epstein files disclosure
- Allegations include misconduct in public office and Official Secrets Act breaches
- Prince William says he is “deeply concerned” by revelations
- King Charles previously stripped Andrew of royal titles
- Andrew denies all wrongdoing related to Epstein
- Royal family continues damage-control efforts
Deep Look:
LONDON (AP) — British police are assessing allegations that Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, shared confidential trade documents with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to officials and newly released investigative files in the United States.
Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London including Windsor, confirmed it is reviewing a report related to emails that appear to show Andrew forwarding sensitive trade information to Epstein following a 2010 diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia.
“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” the force said in a statement.
Emails From Trade Envoy Role
The allegations emerged after journalists reviewed more than three million pages of documents released last month by the Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files disclosure. The emails reportedly include correspondence suggesting Andrew sent Epstein copies of official trade reports after returning from a two-week trip to cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
At the time, Andrew served as Britain’s special envoy for international trade. Another email appears to show him sharing his travel itinerary with Epstein before the trip began.
Anti-monarchy activist Graham Smith, chief executive of the group Republic, said he formally reported Andrew to police for suspected misconduct in public office and possible violations of Britain’s Official Secrets Act.
Royals Distance Themselves
The renewed scrutiny has prompted swift efforts by the royal family to distance itself from the scandal. King Charles III stripped his younger brother of his remaining royal titles last year amid mounting fallout from Andrew’s association with Epstein.
On Monday, the office of Prince William issued its first public comment since the latest Epstein documents were released. A spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales were “deeply concerned” by the revelations and emphasized that their thoughts remain with the victims.
The issue followed King Charles into public view during a visit to Lancashire, where one onlooker shouted, “How long have you known about Andrew?” as crowds gathered to greet the monarch.
Andrew’s Living Arrangements Changed
Last week, King Charles accelerated Andrew’s departure from Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle, a crown-owned property funded by taxpayers. The former prince has since moved to the monarch’s privately owned Sandringham estate in eastern England, where he is temporarily residing at Wood Farm Cottage.
The move came amid growing anger that Andrew was still benefiting from royal privileges despite no longer being a working member of the royal family.
No New Buckingham Palace Statement
Buckingham Palace has declined to issue fresh comments on the Epstein document release, instead referring to an earlier statement emphasizing sympathy for abuse victims.
“Their Majesties’ thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain, with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse,” the palace said when Andrew was formally stripped of his titles last October.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not been charged with any criminal offense.
Comparison to Mandelson Case
Smith compared the Andrew allegations to those involving Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the United States, who is currently under police investigation for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Epstein — claims also uncovered in the U.S. document release.
“I cannot see any significant difference between these allegations and those against Peter Mandelson,” Smith wrote on social media.
What Happens Next
Police have not indicated how long their assessment will take or whether it could lead to a formal criminal investigation. For now, the revelations add another layer of complexity to the Epstein scandal — and further strain the British monarchy’s efforts to protect its public standing as more details continue to emerge.
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