DPP insists the law applies equally as police review allegations tied to Epstein links
The UK’s most senior prosecutor has declared that “nobody is above the law” as pressure intensifies over allegations concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, made the remarks as Thames Valley Police confirmed they are in discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service about claims of potential misconduct in public office during Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Parkinson said his duty is to enforce the law “without fear or favour”, regardless of an individual’s status. He expressed “total confidence” that detectives would examine any evidence that might indicate criminality. The offence of misconduct in public office, he noted, centres on a gross breach of trust by someone carrying out a public function.
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Scrutiny has intensified following the release of emails within the so-called Epstein files. The correspondence suggests Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared sensitive information with Epstein while acting as trade envoy.
Emails indicate that David Stern, described as a business associate and friend of Mountbatten-Windsor, maintained regular contact with Epstein. Stern reportedly accompanied Mountbatten-Windsor on publicly funded visits to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in autumn 2010. It is alleged that Stern organised meetings for Mountbatten-Windsor based on suggestions from Epstein.
The trip occurred months before Mountbatten-Windsor met Epstein in New York in December 2010, a meeting he has previously described as marking the end of their relationship.
Reports compiled by the Mail on Sunday claim that Mountbatten-Windsor used his government position in ways that furthered Epstein’s business interests. Among the allegations is that sensitive information relating to the Royal Bank of Scotland, after its government bailout, was leaked. Additionally, a senior palace aide is said to have passed an official diplomatic cable concerning UK-China trade relations to a banker who was both a friend and business associate of the former prince.
Another email suggests Epstein arranged a dinner in Beijing at a five-star hotel for Mountbatten-Windsor with Jes Staley, a senior banker later identified as Epstein’s personal banker. The newspaper also reported claims that Stern and Epstein plotted to pursue “discreet” deals with the Chinese government following the 2010 trade mission.
In one email, Epstein reportedly boasted of obtaining intelligence from Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson, writing: “I’ve got the UK sewn up.”
Photographs have also emerged showing Mountbatten-Windsor attending a dinner in Beijing with a Chinese model during the official trip, where he was representing the UK as trade envoy.
Further material within the Epstein files alleges that Stern advised Epstein to conceal his child sexual abuse conviction in order to secure a visa to China after an earlier application was rejected.
Political figures have called for a comprehensive investigation. Former prime minister Gordon Brown wrote in the New Statesman that what he discovered in the Epstein files shocked him “to the core” and demanded an in-depth police inquiry. Vince Cable, who served as business secretary during part of Mountbatten-Windsor’s tenure as trade envoy, described the alleged behaviour as “totally unacceptable” and called for both police and government investigations into whether criminal corruption occurred.
Thames Valley Police have also previously stated they are reviewing allegations that Epstein provided Mountbatten-Windsor with a woman at Royal Lodge in 2010, alongside the misconduct in public office claims.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As discussions continue between police and prosecutors, Parkinson’s message remains clear: status offers no immunity, and any credible evidence will be examined under the same legal standards that apply to everyone.