Victims of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein will be treated with “care, compassion and respect”, a UK policing body has said, after it was suggested women who may have information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reluctant to come forward.
American lawyer Brad Edwards, who represents a number of Epstein victims, told the BBC he has “multiple clients” who could speak about the former prince but have low confidence in UK police, and also fear press intrusion.
Last week it emerged that detectives investigating Andrew will consider allegations of sexual misconduct in their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
The legal definition of the offence can include a wide range of conduct, including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct.
It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, misconduct leading to personal gain.
Detectives at Thames Valley Police (TVP) are understood to be concerned that the public believes they are only focused on accusations that the former prince shared information while a trade envoy, when in fact the legal terms of the offence under investigation are much broader.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender.
A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said: “As part of the UK policing response, efforts have been made to contact victim-survivors who have already chosen to share their experiences publicly.
“In some cases, this has involved engagement with legal representatives; however, we recognise that we have not yet been able to reach everyone and our efforts continue.
“We understand that coming forward can be incredibly difficult, and we want anyone affected to know they can do so in their own time, when they feel ready. Our door remains open.
“Should any victim-survivors choose to contact UK policing, they will be treated with care, compassion and respect, with their wellbeing, privacy and right to anonymity at centre of our response.”
Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.
Officers are currently assessing a claim by a woman that she was sent by Epstein to Royal Lodge for sex with Andrew in 2010, before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace.
They have contacted Mr Edwards, the woman’s lawyer, who initially spoke to the BBC about allegations said to have occurred when she was in her 20s.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19 and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation.
Searches were also carried out at his former homes in Windsor and Norfolk.
Detectives are understood to be working through evidence recovered during the operation.
They have also made a formal request to the United States Department of Justice for the original versions of the Epstein files, but have not yet received any information.
Officers investigating Andrew are also reportedly looking into an allegation that he behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot.
The alleged incident is said to have happened at the racing event in Berkshire in 2002, The Sunday Times reported.
Royal Ascot is a cornerstone of the royal family’s summer calendar, and the late Queen Elizabeth II was also at the event in 2002, the year of her Golden Jubilee.
The Sunday Times said it is not clear whether the claim about alleged inappropriate behaviour by Andrew was reported to officers at the time or more recently.
