UK’s Top Prosecutor Says ‘No One Is Above the Law’ as Police Review Claims Against Ex-Prince Andrew
Director of Public Prosecutions affirms legal equality amid mounting scrutiny over alleged conduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein and official duties
The United Kingdom’s most senior public prosecutor has reiterated that “no one is above the law” as police and prosecutors assess new allegations involving former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, made the comments amid growing pressure on Thames Valley Police to examine evidence contained in recently released documents connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and to consider whether potential offences such as misconduct in public office may have occurred.
Parkinson said he has “total confidence” that detectives will investigate any relevant evidence without fear or favour, and stressed that his responsibility is to enforce the law irrespective of an individual’s status.
He noted that prosecutors and the police are in contact as part of the ongoing assessment but that no formal advice has yet been requested, as authorities continue to determine whether a full criminal investigation is warranted.
The claims under review centre on emails and documents included in a tranche of material published by the United States Department of Justice.
These appear to show that during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011, Andrew may have shared sensitive government information with Epstein and his associate, David Stern, who accompanied him on a government-funded trade mission in China in 2010. Thames Valley Police confirmed that it was assessing these allegations and has held discussions with Crown Prosecution Service specialists about potential misconduct in public office.
The renewed focus follows decades of public scrutiny over the former royal’s ties with Epstein, including longstanding claims and prior legal settlements.
Buckingham Palace has indicated that King Charles III and the royal household will support police inquiries where appropriate, and senior members of the royal family, including Prince William, have expressed concern for victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Although Andrew has denied all wrongdoing, the combination of fresh documentary evidence and heightened demands from politicians and observers for transparency has intensified calls for an independent police investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be pursued.
Authorities have stressed that at this stage the matter remains under assessment, and that any decision to launch a full investigation must be based on a careful appraisal of the available evidence and legal thresholds for prosecution.
The director of public prosecutions’ statement underscored the principle that all individuals, regardless of background or status, are subject to the same legal standards under British law.
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, made the comments amid growing pressure on Thames Valley Police to examine evidence contained in recently released documents connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and to consider whether potential offences such as misconduct in public office may have occurred.
Parkinson said he has “total confidence” that detectives will investigate any relevant evidence without fear or favour, and stressed that his responsibility is to enforce the law irrespective of an individual’s status.
He noted that prosecutors and the police are in contact as part of the ongoing assessment but that no formal advice has yet been requested, as authorities continue to determine whether a full criminal investigation is warranted.
The claims under review centre on emails and documents included in a tranche of material published by the United States Department of Justice.
These appear to show that during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011, Andrew may have shared sensitive government information with Epstein and his associate, David Stern, who accompanied him on a government-funded trade mission in China in 2010. Thames Valley Police confirmed that it was assessing these allegations and has held discussions with Crown Prosecution Service specialists about potential misconduct in public office.
The renewed focus follows decades of public scrutiny over the former royal’s ties with Epstein, including longstanding claims and prior legal settlements.
Buckingham Palace has indicated that King Charles III and the royal household will support police inquiries where appropriate, and senior members of the royal family, including Prince William, have expressed concern for victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Although Andrew has denied all wrongdoing, the combination of fresh documentary evidence and heightened demands from politicians and observers for transparency has intensified calls for an independent police investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be pursued.
Authorities have stressed that at this stage the matter remains under assessment, and that any decision to launch a full investigation must be based on a careful appraisal of the available evidence and legal thresholds for prosecution.
The director of public prosecutions’ statement underscored the principle that all individuals, regardless of background or status, are subject to the same legal standards under British law.
