Prince Andrew Investigation Will Be Complex, Police Say

British police said the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, will be long and complex after his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

King Charles’ younger brother was arrested at his home in Norfolk in February and interviewed under caution after the release of millions of US Department of Justice documents relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has always denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has made no public statement since his arrest.

The inquiry focuses on his role as special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. Emails released by the Department of Justice suggested that he had shared sensitive information with Epstein.

Oliver Wright, assistant chief constable of Thames Valley Police, said the inquiry would be “hugely thorough” and would take time. “It’s not going to be a quick investigation by any means”, he told reporters.

Police said they had received “a significant amount of information” and were examining several aspects of alleged misconduct, including reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes.

“In terms of Epstein victims and survivors, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward and I really want to stress that our door is open whenever a victim survivor is ready to engage with us. We’re ready for you at whatever point that may be,” Wright said.

A specialist team of experienced officers is handling the case, which police said requires the resources of a major crime investigation. Thames Valley Police has also been liaising with the US Department of Justice, but has not yet received any of the Epstein documents.

King Charles stripped his brother of his titles and honors last October. After Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, he said the authorities had the family’s “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”.

(reuters, max)