British Police Address Prince Andrew’s Alleged Document Sharing with Epstein

British authorities have initiated a legal assessment regarding allegations that the former Prince Andrew shared sensitive documents with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The spokesperson for Thames Valley Police, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, revealed that ongoing investigations focus on potential misconduct related to Andrew’s access to confidential materials from the U.S. Department of Justice’s ‘Epstein Files’.

The assessment process included collaboration with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service, tasked with guiding criminal prosecutions in the UK. Wright stated, “During an assessment phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offense is suspected and whether a full investigation is required.”

The release of an extensive collection of files by the Justice Department damaged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s image, as the former prince was stripped of his titles last year. NBC News sought a comment from Mountbatten-Windsor’s representative concerning the police’s recent statement.

Following the police announcement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that King Charles III, Andrew’s brother, expressed willingness to assist the police inquiries if requested. King Charles emphasized his profound concern over the ongoing allegations involving Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor.

Further support came from Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, who voiced their concern over the continuing revelations. A spokesperson for Kensington Palace shared that their thoughts remain with the victims of abuse.

The controversy deepened with revelations about a 2010 email exchange. At the time, serving as a UK trade envoy, Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly exchanged communications with Epstein, discussing his assignments in Southeast Asia and potential investments in Afghanistan. Trade envoys are generally prohibited from disclosing sensitive information due to strict confidentiality rules. Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, was appointed the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011.

The UK Department for Business and Trade stated its readiness to cooperate with police in evaluating these claims.

The former prince’s involvement with Epstein has been a persistent source of scandal, notably following Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s allegations. Giuffre asserted that Epstein trafficked her to influential figures, including Andrew, accusing him of sexual abuse when she was seventeen. Although Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022.

Henry Austin, a senior editor for NBC News Digital, reported from London.