Crown Prosecution Service lawyers have been holding discussions with detectives from two police forces investigating Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed.
Stephen Parkinson revealed that prosecutors are maintaining close contact with both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police as they examine whether the two men committed misconduct in public office.
The DPP 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.”
Such early engagement between prosecutors and investigators typically indicates that criminal inquiries have progressed significantly.
Crown Prosecution Service lawyers have been holding discussions with detectives from two police forces investigating Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed.
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The Metropolitan Police launched their inquiry into Lord Mandelson following the release of emails from the Epstein files, which indicated he may have shared sensitive government and market intelligence with the convicted paedophile during his tenure as business secretary.
Thames Valley Police is examining comparable allegations against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, who allegedly provided information to the disgraced financier whilst serving as UK trade envoy.
Both inquiries are reportedly advancing at pace, with Met officers having searched two properties belonging to Lord Mandelson within the past week.
Buckingham Palace has indicated its willingness to assist the police with their investigation into the King’s brother.
Buckingham Palace has indicated its willingness to assist the police with their investigation into the King’s brother.
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GETTYA Palace Spokesperson said: “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.”
Prosecutors and police typically collaborate closely before any charges can be brought, with officers able to seek guidance from CPS lawyers or present evidence files for review.
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.
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.”
While prosecutors have not yet received a formal request for advice, the ongoing dialogue suggests both investigations are being treated as serious matters requiring careful legal consideration.