Andrew's former bodyguards must consider 'what they saw or heard', Met says

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former bodyguards have been asked to consider whether anything they may have witnessed during their time in service might be relevant to police investigations.

Searches of the former prince’s former home in Berkshire continued on Friday following his misconduct in public office arrest.

He was held in custody on Thursday following accusations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was held for around 11 hours on his 66th birthday before he was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.

It is understood the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are yet to provide any “early investigative advice” to the force.

Former close protection officers to Andrew are being asked to “consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard” may be relevant to the Metropolitan Police’s review of the Epstein files, the force said.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the force said: “Following the further release of millions of court documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, we are aware of the suggestion that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States.

“Separately, the Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor.

“They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.

“While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction. We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate.

“The action outlined above is independent of investigations or assessment work being carried out by other forces. We are working with the national coordination group which has been set up to bring together affected forces to ensure consistency of approach, including access to appropriate expertise and guidance.”