Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has always denied wrongdoing (Image: REUTERS)
Women who have information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will be treated with “care, compassion and respect”, a UK policing body has said, after it was suggested women who may have information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reluctant to come forward. American lawyer Brad Edward said he had “multiple clients” who had information on the former prince but have low confidence in UK police, and also fear press intrusion.
Among his clients is a woman who has alleged she was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with the former Duke of York. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Responding to the lawyer’s remarks to the BBC, the National Police Chiefs’ Council have said they understand that coming forward can be incredibly difficult but said “their wellbeing, privacy and right to anonymity” will be at the centre of their response.
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Mr Edwards told BBC News: “Our multiple clients, plural, with information about [Mountbatten-Windsor] will not speak with authorities in the UK for two reasons.
“First, the authorities did not care to do anything when Epstein was alive, so their confidence is low. Second, and most important, the harassment by the British press has dissuaded them from ever cooperating with UK authorities or speaking with the British press.”
Last week, Thames Valley Police said they will consider allegations of sexual misconduct in their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office, for which he was arrested in February.
Officers are currently assessing a claim by a woman that she was sent by Epstein to Royal Lodge for sex with Andrew in 2010, before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace. They have contacted the woman’s lawyer, who initially spoke to the BBC about allegations said to have occurred when she was in her 20s.
Officers investigating Andrew are also reportedly looking into an allegation that he behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot. The alleged incident is said to have happened at the racing event in Berkshire in 2002, The Sunday Times reported.
A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said: “As part of the UK policing response, efforts have been made to contact victim-survivors who have already chosen to share their experiences publicly.
“In some cases, this has involved engagement with legal representatives; however, we recognise that we have not yet been able to reach everyone and our efforts continue.
“We understand that coming forward can be incredibly difficult, and we want anyone affected to know they can do so in their own time, when they feel ready. Our door remains open.
“Should any victim-survivors choose to contact UK policing, they will be treated with care, compassion and respect, with their wellbeing, privacy and right to anonymity at centre of our response.”