UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed that “nobody is above the law” when responding to questions about allegations involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, while declining to comment on whether the former prince should voluntarily engage with police.
Speaking in a television interview, Starmer emphasized that the rule of law must apply equally in every case. He stated that the principle of legal equality is fundamental to the justice system and should be upheld regardless of the individuals involved.
His remarks come as police continue to assess a range of allegations connected to Andrew’s past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences and later died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on further charges.
Ongoing Police Assessments
Law enforcement authorities are reviewing claims that a woman was allegedly trafficked to the United Kingdom by Epstein for a meeting with Andrew, an accusation the former prince has consistently denied. The claims surfaced following the release of documents in the United States linked to investigations into Epstein’s trafficking network.
Separately, Thames Valley Police is examining whether there are grounds to investigate potential offences including misconduct in public office and possible breaches of official confidentiality rules. Officials have confirmed that assessments are ongoing and that any formal investigation would depend on the outcome of preliminary inquiries.
When asked whether Andrew should voluntarily speak to police, the prime minister said the matter rests solely with law enforcement authorities. He reiterated that investigators must be allowed to carry out their duties independently, without political interference.
Starmer also noted that if Parliament wished to debate Andrew’s links to Epstein, he would not oppose such a discussion.
Details of the Allegations
Among the claims under review are reports that a second woman, who was not a British citizen and was in her twenties at the time, was allegedly sent to the UK by Epstein for an encounter with Andrew in 2010 at his residence, Royal Lodge. Legal representatives for the woman have stated that she later described being given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace after the alleged encounter.
Recent document releases from the US Department of Justice have drawn renewed attention to Andrew’s relationship with Epstein. The materials reportedly include references to continued contact between the two men in the years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor, as well as photographs and correspondence that have prompted further scrutiny.
According to the documents, Andrew also allegedly shared certain sensitive and commercial information with Epstein, though the context and legal implications of those communications remain under examination.
Calls for Testimony and Public Scrutiny
Starmer reiterated previous comments suggesting that anyone with relevant information should cooperate with official inquiries, including potential testimony before US authorities if required. He stressed that accountability depends on individuals providing evidence to the appropriate investigative bodies.
Pressure has been mounting internationally for Andrew to address questions about his past association with Epstein. US officials and representatives linked to Epstein-related cases have called for him to provide testimony in relevant proceedings.
In 2014, Virginia Giuffre alleged that she had been trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell as a teenager and forced into sexual encounters with Andrew, claims he has repeatedly and strongly denied. A civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre in the United States was settled in 2022, without an admission of liability.
Wider Investigations and Institutional Review
Police forces across the United Kingdom have confirmed they are assessing whether to open formal investigations related to Epstein-linked allegations. The Metropolitan Police said it has begun initial inquiries into claims involving former close protection officers assigned to Andrew, including suggestions they may have overlooked potential concerns during visits to Epstein’s properties.
A former senior protection officer has alleged that some officers may have ignored warning signs, though authorities have stated that no wrongdoing has been identified at this stage and that fact-finding inquiries are ongoing.
Following renewed scrutiny and the release of additional documents and images linked to Epstein’s network, Andrew reportedly relocated from his residence in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
As investigations continue, the prime minister’s comments underscore the government’s stance that legal processes must proceed independently and equally, with any decisions on further action determined by police assessments and the available evidence.