The head of the Crown Prosecution Service has stated that 'nobody is above the law' amid growing pressure for a full police investigation into Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales, expressed confidence that detectives would examine any relevant evidence pointing to criminality.
Thames Valley Police are in discussions with the CPS over allegations of misconduct in public office against the former prince, who served as UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. Emails released in the Epstein files suggest Prince Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein, including details about the Royal Bank of Scotland and a diplomatic cable on UK-China trade relations.
Evidence compiled by the Mail on Sunday reveals that Prince Andrew used his government role to further Epstein's business interests. Epstein boasted in an email: 'I've got the UK sewn up.' The former prince's business associate, David Stern, is said to have plotted with Epstein to do 'discreet' deals with the Chinese government following a 2010 trade mission.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a full police investigation, describing the revelations as 'by far the biggest scandal of all.' Former Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable also urged a police check on whether criminal corruption took place. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
