A top prosecutor has warned Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor that no one is above the law, as pressure grows on the royal to speak on his links with Jeffrey Epstein.
The disgraced former royal is featured heavily within the newly released Epstein files. And there are calls from both the UK and US for Andrew to explain his links with the disgraced financier.
Thames Valley Police are currently working on whether to investigate Andrew, as emails appear to suggest he took Epstein on an offcial visit to China.
Steven Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has warned Andrew: “Nobody is above the law, It’s my job to enforce the law and I do so without fear or favour, and that is unaffected by the status of the individual concerned.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been warned ‘obody is above the law’
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He also revealed he had “total confidence” that detectives would do their work diligently.
He confirmed to The Times: “I’ve got total confidence in the police, that they perform their function independently.
The DPP had previously stated: “We are in close contact with the Met and Thames Valley Police but we haven’t been asked for formal advice yet. In complex cases, the CPS and the police do work together and we will do so.”
In a statement shared with GB News, Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “We can confirm today (11/2) that Thames Valley Police is leading the ongoing assessment of allegations relating to misconduct in public office. This specifically relates to documents within the United States Department of Justice’s Epstein Files.
“As part of this assessment, we have engaged in discussions with Specialist Crown Prosecutors from the CPS. We will provide updates as and when they are available, but at this stage it would be inappropriate to discuss further specifics of this work.
“During an assessment phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offence is suspected and whether a full investigation is required. Allegations of misconduct in public office involve particular complexities, and therefore an assessment must be conducted carefully and thoroughly.
Thames Valley Police is examining allegations against the former Duke of York
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PA“While we cannot provide timescales over when a decision as to whether a criminal investigation will be opened, we can assure you that Thames Valley Police is making progress as quickly as possible.”
Thames Valley Police is examining comparable allegations against Andrew, the former Duke of York, who allegedly provided information to the disgraced financier whilst serving as UK trade envoy.
Buckingham Palace has indicated its willingness to assist the police with their investigation into the King’s brother.
A Palace spokesmansaid: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Despite misconduct in public office being an ancient common law offence that can prove challenging to prosecute, Mr Parkinson expressed confidence about providing legal guidance.
Buckingham Palace have said they will work with Thames Valley Police should they be asked
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He said: “The law is quite clear,” pointing to the Attorney General’s reference from 2003, which established the parameters of the offence.
The DPP dismissed suggestions that the archaic nature of the charge might complicate matters.
He explained: “No, I don’t think it’d be difficult to give advice on that … the issue when you’re advising on criminal cases, it’s very rarely about what the law is, it’s about the application of the law in the context.”