London Police Ask Prince Andrew's Old Security What They Saw or Heard About Epstein

London police want to know what Prince Andrew's former security staff saw or heard regarding Jeffrey Epstein. This is a new step in the ongoing Epstein case review.
By Newsroom | Crime, United Kingdom |

Authorities are reaching out to individuals who previously provided security for Prince Andrew, asking them to share any relevant information they may have observed or overheard concerning his associations with Jeffrey Epstein. This action stems from ongoing reviews into the Epstein files and claims that some protection officers might have overlooked certain activities.

Investigation Expands to Include Security Personnel

Recent media reports have suggested that Prince Andrew's protection officers may have been aware of, or even disregarded, certain activities during his visits to Jeffrey Epstein's private island. In response, the Metropolitan Police have initiated contact with both current and former officers who served in a protective capacity for Andrew. The stated goal is to understand if these officers "saw or heard" anything pertinent to the broader inquiries into the Epstein case.

Police urge Andrew’s protection officers to come forward with what they ‘saw or heard’ – live updates - 1

Context of the Inquiries

The Metropolitan Police's current efforts are part of a wider examination of information emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein case. This review includes allegations that individuals, including Prince Andrew, may have been involved in activities related to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

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  • Calls for Information: The police are actively encouraging anyone with relevant details to come forward.

  • Focus on Protection Officers: A specific appeal has been made to those who provided security for Prince Andrew, asking them to consider if they witnessed anything that could assist ongoing investigations.

  • No New Criminal Allegations: The Metropolitan Police have stated that, at present, no new criminal allegations concerning sexual offenses within their jurisdiction have been filed.

  • International Cooperation: Efforts are underway with US authorities to determine if London airports were utilized to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

  • Allegations of "Turning a Blind Eye": Some reports cite former protection officers who claim that Andrew's security team accompanied him to Epstein's island on multiple occasions, even traveling on Epstein's private jet. These claims suggest a potential "turning a blind eye" to activities on the island.

  • Prince Andrew's Stance: Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to these allegations.

Evidence and Claims

The impetus for the police contacting protection officers appears to be a confluence of media reports and the ongoing review of documents related to the Epstein case.

Police urge Andrew’s protection officers to come forward with what they ‘saw or heard’ – live updates - 2

  • Police are contacting former and serving officers who provided protection to Prince Andrew to ask what they "saw or heard" as part of reviews into the Epstein files.

  • Media suggestions have claimed that royalty protection officers might have "turned a blind eye" to certain activities, particularly on Jeffrey Epstein's island.

  • A former protection officer reportedly alleged that Andrew's security team traveled with him to Epstein's island on at least two occasions, including once on Epstein's private jet.

  • The Metropolitan Police are working with US counterparts to investigate potential use of London airports for human trafficking.

  • Surrey Police have appealed for information regarding human trafficking allegations linked to the Epstein files.

  • Essex Police are assessing information concerning private flights to and from Stansted Airport.

Prince Andrew's Role and Titles

The allegations have had a significant impact on Prince Andrew's public standing and royal duties.

  • Prince Andrew was stripped of his Royal title and is no longer using his Duke of York title.

  • He voluntarily decided to give up his titles and membership of the Order of the Garter.

  • King Charles has stated he would support the police investigation.

Public and Expert Reactions

While some individuals have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of police inquiries, others believe that former protection officers may be hesitant to come forward.

Police urge Andrew’s protection officers to come forward with what they ‘saw or heard’ – live updates - 3

  • Skepticism: Women's rights campaigner Jamie Klingler has stated she has "no faith" in the outcome of investigations into allegations against Prince Andrew.

  • Hesitation: Reports suggest that some of Andrew's former security staff feel "frightened to come forward" to assist the police.

  • Official Statements: The Metropolitan Police emphasize that they are contacting officers to understand what they "saw or heard" and urge anyone with relevant information to share it.

  • Past Investigations: While Thames Valley Police have not launched a criminal investigation into Prince Andrew, a former Met Police officer suggested they might consider it in the future.

Official Statements

The Metropolitan Police have provided statements regarding their current actions and the nature of the information being sought.

"The Met said it was contacting former and serving officers who may have worked in a protection capacity with Andrew… asking them to 'consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard' was relevant to the force's ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist them." - BBC News

"The Metropolitan Police has now said that 'no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred' within its jurisdiction, and urged anyone with new or relevant information to come forward." - BBC News

Unanswered Questions

The current phase of the investigation raises several points that require further clarification.

  • Nature of Information: What specific types of observations or overheard conversations are authorities hoping to elicit from the protection officers?

  • Reasons for Hesitation: If former staff are indeed hesitant, what are the underlying reasons for this reluctance? Is it fear of reprisal, loyalty concerns, or other factors?

  • Scope of "Turning a Blind Eye": If protection officers are found to have "turned a blind eye," what does this legally entail, and what are the potential ramifications?

  • Jurisdictional Boundaries: How will information gathered by the Metropolitan Police be integrated with efforts by other forces, such as Surrey and Essex Police, which are also examining aspects of the Epstein case?

Conclusion

The Metropolitan Police's direct engagement with Prince Andrew's former protection officers marks a significant step in the ongoing review of the Epstein case. The appeal for information focuses on what these officers may have witnessed or heard during their service. While Prince Andrew maintains his innocence, and no new criminal allegations of sexual offenses have been filed with the Met, the investigation's broader scope, including potential human trafficking and exploitation, continues to be explored with international partners. The cooperation, or lack thereof, from former security personnel will be a key factor in the progression of these inquiries.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are London police talking to Prince Andrew's former security officers?
Police are asking them what they saw or heard that might be useful for the review of Jeffrey Epstein's files. This is because some reports suggest security officers might have seen or ignored certain activities.
Q: What are the police looking for from these officers?
They want to know if the officers observed anything important during their time protecting Prince Andrew, especially concerning his links to Jeffrey Epstein. This includes asking if they saw or heard anything relevant to the wider Epstein case.
Q: Are there new criminal charges against Prince Andrew?
No, the Metropolitan Police have said that no new criminal allegations of sexual offenses have been made to them. They are still reviewing information from the Epstein case and working with other police forces.
Q: What is the connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender. Police are reviewing information from his case, which includes looking into potential human trafficking and exploitation. They are working with US authorities to see if London airports were used for these purposes.
Q: What has happened to Prince Andrew's titles?
Prince Andrew has given up his royal titles and no longer uses his Duke of York title. He also gave up his membership in the Order of the Garter. King Charles supports the police investigation.