Prosecutors are now providing "early investigative advice" to police forces examining the connections between two prominent British figures and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed it is offering guidance to the Metropolitan Police regarding their investigation into a 72-year-old man, and to Thames Valley Police concerning a 66-year-old man. While the CPS did not name the individuals, these descriptions correspond to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson, both of whom have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to Epstein and subsequently released under investigation.
"We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the force's investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested," a CPS spokesperson stated. "We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man."
Early investigative advice is a standard procedure in serious, complex cases, allowing CPS lawyers to review evidence gathered by police and help formulate action plans. This step does not indicate sufficient evidence exists for charges, nor does it constitute a formal charging decision request from police.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested by Thames Valley Police at Sandringham in February and released under investigation. Communications between him and Epstein were among files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, appearing to show he forwarded government reports from official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China to Epstein, along with information about investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Lord Mandelson, 72, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in north London in February, released on bail, and had his bail conditions lifted last month with his passport returned. The Met continues investigating allegations that he passed market-sensitive government information while serving as a minister. Released emails appear to show he shared policy assessments and confirmed an imminent Euro bailout package before its 2010 announcement.
Both men have denied wrongdoing. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly stated he committed no offenses related to Epstein, while sources indicate Lord Mandelson maintains he acted without criminal intent or financial motivation.
The CPS emphasized it remains prepared to support investigations as needed, coinciding with the National Police Chiefs' Council announcement that police responses to the Epstein files release would be "stepped up."