The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is providing early investigative advice to police regarding Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew, both arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their links to Jeffrey Epstein. The former Duke of York and former UK ambassador to the US were released under investigation after their arrests.
A CPS spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that they are advising the Metropolitan Police on a 72-year-old man and Thames Valley Police on a 66-year-old man. The spokesperson stated: 'We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice... and will continue to liaise as requested.'
Prince Andrew was arrested on 19 February over allegations he shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy. Lord Mandelson was arrested on 23 February over claims he leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while business secretary. Both deny wrongdoing.
King Charles's state visit to the US in late April will proceed despite calls for him to meet Epstein survivors. US congressman Ro Khanna urged the king to meet victims privately, while Virginia Giuffre's family 'strongly' urged the same. Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on a 'moral case' for such a meeting, focusing instead on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The National Police Chiefs' Council announced on Tuesday a stepped-up response to the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice, forming a dedicated group to examine potential UK-based offending against women and girls. Victims who have spoken to UK media are invited to contact investigators.
