UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that "no one is above the law" when asked about Andrew, Duke of York, following new evidence from the United States linking the former prince to Jeffrey Epstein's human trafficking network. However, he declined to say whether the former prince would voluntarily meet with police.
Starmer told BBC Breakfast that this principle is "extremely important" and must be enforced in this case as in others. Police are currently considering allegations including the case of a woman sent by Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier convicted of sexual offenses, to the UK to meet the former prince, who continues to deny wrongdoing after US authorities disclosed documents related to Epstein's human trafficking case.
Additionally, Thames Valley Police are assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to investigate Prince Andrew for "misconduct in a public office" and "breach of official secrets."
When asked if the former prince should voluntarily meet with police, the Prime Minister said it is the police's responsibility to investigate but emphasized that "one of the fundamental principles of our system is that everyone is equal under the law." He added that if Members of Parliament wish to debate the relationship between Andrew and Epstein, he will not obstruct it.
These latest allegations were sparked after the US Department of Justice released a large number of documents last month revealing details of the close relationship between Andrew and Epstein. The information indicated that a second woman was sent to the UK in 2010 to have sexual relations with the former prince at Royal Lodge.
The victim's lawyer stated that after spending the night with the former prince, she was allowed to visit Buckingham Palace. Photos were also found showing the prince in an inappropriate manner with a woman, along with evidence that Prince Andrew sent sensitive government and commercial confidential documents to Epstein.
Although Andrew has consistently denied all allegations, following the recent release of photographs and emails exchanged with Epstein, reports indicate that he has moved out of his previous residence in Windsor to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. Recent information reveals that he maintained ongoing contact with Prince Andrew for several years, even after pleading guilty in cases involving minors.
. BBC