UK police appeal for witnesses in Prince Andrew probe; Epstein trafficking allegation under review

British police have appealed for witnesses in their investigation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, after lawyers raised fresh allegations that a woman was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019, to his Windsor home in 2010. Thames Valley Police said the woman’s account would be handled with “care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy” if she chose to file a formal complaint.

Thames Valley Police said it had been in contact with lawyers representing the woman who was trafficked to Windsor for the purpose of a sexual encounter with Andrew. Police said that if the woman chose to report the allegations formally, they would be treated “seriously” and handled with “care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy.”

The allegations resurfaced after Florida-based lawyer Brad Edwards, who has represented multiple Epstein accusers, told the BBC earlier this year that he represented a woman who claimed she had a sexual encounter with Andrew at his Windsor residence after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in connection with allegations tied to Epstein.

Wider investigation

The latest appeal comes amid a broader and increasingly complex British investigation into Andrew’s past dealings and conduct during his tenure as the UK’s special trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Authorities are examining possible offences including misconduct in public office, corruption, fraud and allegations of sexual impropriety, according to Reuters, The Guardian and The Times.