There have been further developments in the unprecedented arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. On February 19, the former prince was arrested at his Norfolk home and detained in police custody. He was released after 11 hours, pending further investigation by Thames Valley Police.
Now, the Metropolitan Police force has released its own statement in relation to other accusations against Andrew.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his birthday
To recap, the ex-Duke of York was arrested on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. This follows the release of millions of files in relation to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew features heavily in the files, which include email correspondence with the late financier. It’s these emails that reportedly led to accusations he shared sensitive information during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Elsewhere in the files, there are references to Andrew and his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, as well as photos of him with unidentified women. These inclusions seem to be the basis of the Met’s investigation, prompting an appeal to Andrew’s personal protection officers to come forward with information.
“We are aware of the suggestion that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” the force said in a statement. “We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail[s].”
The Met added that “no new criminal allegations have been made” regarding sexual offences. However, the force urged anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. “All allegations will be taken seriously,” it said.
“The action outlined above is independent of investigations or assessment work being carried out by other forces,” the statement continued, seemingly referring to Thames Valley Police’s misconduct investigation.
Directly referencing Andrew’s bodyguards, the Met said: “Protection officers are held to the same high standards of professional behaviour as all police officers.”
That said, the force clarified that at this time, it has “not identified any wrongdoing by any protection officers.”
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.
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