The Metropolitan Police have called on former protection officers of Prince Andrew to share any relevant information they may have observed during their service, as the investigation into his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. The appeal comes amid fresh scrutiny of security arrangements at Epstein's New York home, where Metropolitan Police officers are alleged to have guarded the property while Andrew was staying there in 2010.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest that Met officers guarded Epstein's home, and police have expanded their inquiry by reviewing UK airport flight records to determine if they were used for human trafficking. Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last Thursday and released under investigation.
A Met spokesperson confirmed that detectives have begun identifying and contacting all former protection officers, asking them to consider whether anything they saw or heard during their service may be relevant. Former head of royal protection Dai Davies described it as 'inconceivable' that the officers would not have information, and called for a judge-led inquiry.
Emails from 2010, reported by the Sunday Times, show arrangements for two Met protection officers to guard Epstein's home while Andrew was staying there. One email with the subject line 'Security for party' noted that the officers had been given 'instructions on the door' and temporary security codes.
Former royal protection officer Paul Page, who previously claimed Andrew had women brought into Buckingham Palace, said he received a warning letter from the Met reminding him of confidentiality obligations, which he interpreted as an instruction to 'shut up'. The Met said the letter was a general reminder.
