Gordon Brown Demands Police Investigation into Andrew's Taxpayer-Funded Epstein Encounters
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has formally urged multiple police forces across the United Kingdom to launch a comprehensive investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor utilized taxpayer-funded Royal Air Force jets and military bases to facilitate meetings with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This call for action comes as police searches continue at Andrew's former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, following his arrest and subsequent release under investigation.
Brown's Detailed Demands to Authorities
In letters reportedly containing "new and additional information" according to The Sunday Telegraph, Brown has specifically demanded that civil servants be questioned about Andrew's tenure as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. This period includes nearly three years when Brown himself was serving as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010. The former Labour leader is pushing for a full inquiry into the trade envoy role itself, examining its overall cost to taxpayers and investigating any potential evidence linking Andrew's government work directly to Epstein.
Brown believes that airline employees and staff at nine specific airports should be interrogated regarding Epstein's flights to the UK. He has called for all records held by the Ministry of Defence to be immediately handed over to police investigators. Furthermore, Brown insists authorities must conduct a thorough investigation establishing what diligence checks, if any, were performed on Epstein before he received clearance to land at UK facilities.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Royal Response
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor endured eleven hours in police custody on Thursday, which coincidentally marked his 66th birthday, before being released under investigation. The arrest followed allegations that he disclosed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. Officers have maintained their search of Royal Lodge throughout Friday and Saturday, with Thames Valley Police leading the investigation.
Following his younger brother's detention, King Charles III released an official statement declaring that "the law must take its course" and that police have "our full and wholehearted support and co-operation." Andrew has consistently refuted any misconduct regarding his connections to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Ministry of Defence Clarifies RAF Base Usage
A Ministry of Defence spokesman clarified to The Telegraph that it is "standard practice" for private or commercial aircraft to use RAF airfields, "subject to fees which cover all costs." The spokesman elaborated that such use is not automatic and will only be approved when there is no adverse impact to military aircraft operations and when approval would not interfere with the security or smooth running of the airfield.
Meanwhile, detectives have urged Andrew's former close protection officers to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" during their service could be relevant to the broader investigation into Epstein and his associates. Thames Valley Police have not yet obtained any "early investigative advice" from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the allegations against Andrew.
Royal Family Continues Public Engagements
This weekend, the Royal Family attempted to carry out their engagements as normal despite the ongoing investigation. The Prince and Princess of Wales made scheduled public appearances, with Kate donning an England Rugby scarf while watching the Guinness Men's Six Nations tournament at Twickenham on Saturday. This marked her first public outing since Andrew's arrest on Thursday, demonstrating the monarchy's effort to maintain regular operations amid the controversy.
