Epstein Victims’ Lawyer Says UK Police Distrusted
A US lawyer representing hundreds of Jeffrey Epstein survivors has told the BBC that multiple clients who claim to have information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are unwilling to speak to UK police, citing low confidence in authorities and fears about privacy and media intrusion.
BBC News reported that Mr Brad Edwards said he had “multiple clients” with information about the former prince but that they did not believe they would receive proper treatment in the UK and were concerned that speaking out would lead to harassment by the British press.
Mr Edwards told the BBC he represents a woman alleging she was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including an alleged encounter at Royal Lodge in 2010, and said more than one client had initially been willing to cooperate with British police before UK-based journalists began investigating the woman and her family. The BBC said Thames Valley Police confirmed it had engaged with the woman’s legal team, but that her lawyer said she would not communicate with officers over fears regarding her privacy.
In a statement, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said victim-survivors who come forward will be treated with “care, compassion and respect”, with privacy and anonymity central to the policing response. The BBC also quoted another US lawyer, Ms Sigrid McCawley, who said she did not believe she had received communication from the Metropolitan Police since US authorities released Epstein files in January.
The allegations continue to cast a shadow over the Duke of York, and the policing response has been under scrutiny previously amid claims that the investigation widened after a Royal Ascot-related allegation.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, while UK police say they continue efforts to contact victim-survivors who have shared experiences publicly and that anyone affected can come forward when they feel ready.
