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Met Police confirms security detail for Prince Andrew at Epstein residence
Emails released by the US Department of Justice reveal Metropolitan Police officers were instructed to secure a dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein's New York home attended by Prince Andrew in December 2010. The Met stated it has found no evidence of misconduct by its officers but is contacting current and former personnel for further information.
Security arrangements detailed in released emails
Correspondence from the newly disclosed Epstein files shows Prince Andrew's private secretary sought confirmation of lodging for his protection officers ahead of the visit. Internal emails from Epstein's staff confirmed accommodations for the officers, with one assigned to the fourth floor and another to the fifth floor of the residence.
The documents also indicate that Prince Andrew and his Metropolitan Police close protection team were provided with a temporary security code to access Epstein's property. On 1 December 2010, an unidentified staff member emailed Epstein, noting that the Duke's two protection officers, along with state security, would be present for the dinner party the following evening. Instructions for entry were reportedly given to the officers.
Met Police response and standards
The Metropolitan Police stated on Friday that it is in the process of identifying and contacting officers who may have relevant information regarding the security detail. The force emphasized that it has not identified any wrongdoing by its protection officers "at this time."
"Protection officers are held to the same high standards of professional behaviour as all police officers. They know their actions will be open to scrutiny."
Metropolitan Police statement
The Met reiterated that it does not comment on security arrangements for protected individuals.
Role of the Royal Visits Committee
The government's Royal Visits Committee (RVC), which includes senior representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Royal Household, No. 10 Downing Street, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Cabinet Office, is responsible for reviewing plans for official travel by working members of the Royal Family.
When approached by the BBC, the FCDO confirmed it had reviewed official travel plans for the then Duke of York in 2008 and 2009 but clarified that the RVC is not involved in private travel undertaken by working royals or any travel by non-working members of the Royal Family.
Prince Andrew's legal status
Prince Andrew was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released under investigation after 11 hours in custody. Searches at his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, are ongoing.
The Duke of York has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
