The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it is now actively supporting police investigations into the connections between two prominent British figures and the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Both Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are under scrutiny for their alleged links to the late financier, with prosecutors providing crucial early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police.
Police Investigations Intensify with Prosecutorial Support
A CPS spokesperson formally announced on Wednesday that they are "providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan police service regarding the force's investigation into a 72-year-old man" and simultaneously offering similar support to Thames Valley Police concerning a 66-year-old man. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing inquiries, indicating that the investigations have progressed to a stage requiring formal prosecutorial guidance.
Arrests and Allegations of Official Misconduct
The investigations center on both men's arrests in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to their Epstein connections. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on February 19th over allegations that he shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. This followed his earlier removal from royal duties and eviction from his Windsor residence.
Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States, was arrested on February 23rd regarding claims he allegedly leaked sensitive government information to Epstein during his tenure as business secretary in Gordon Brown's cabinet. Mandelson had previously been dismissed from his ambassadorial position last September and resigned from the House of Lords in February amid the growing controversy.
Royal Visit Complications and Victim Advocacy
The investigations have created complications for King Charles's scheduled state visit to the United States in late April. While some politicians have criticized the timing as potentially "humiliating" given ongoing international tensions, palace sources indicate the visit will proceed as planned. However, it is understood that Charles and Camilla will be unable to meet with Epstein victims while UK police investigations remain active.
This restriction has prompted advocacy from multiple quarters. US Congressman Ro Khanna formally requested in a Monday letter that the king meet privately with survivors during his American visit. The family of Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, issued a statement through BBC Newsnight "strongly" urging the monarch to meet with them and other Epstein survivors.
Political Responses and Broader Investigation
At a Wednesday press conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on whether there was a "moral case" for the king to meet victims, instead emphasizing that the visit's "focus" would be on commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. This diplomatic positioning reflects the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigations and their potential implications for UK-US relations.
Meanwhile, the National Police Chiefs' Council announced on Tuesday that police responses to the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice would be "stepped up." A dedicated investigative group will examine the "scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based violence against women and girls offending within the files." Authorities have also extended invitations to alleged Epstein victims who have spoken to UK media to discuss potential crimes that may have occurred on British soil.
Both Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor have consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the investigations. They remain released under investigation as police continue their inquiries with enhanced prosecutorial support from the Crown Prosecution Service.
