UK detectives are set to fly to the US to speak to family members of Virginia Giuffre as part of their investigation into alleged misconduct by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) want to talk to relatives of Giuffre, who died by suicide aged 41 in April last year, about her allegations of sexual assault against the former prince, The Independent understands.
Giuffre claims she was sexually assaulted by Mr Mountbatten-Windsor three times when she was under the age of 18 after she was trafficked by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Detectives are planning to visit Giuffre’s brother and sister-in-law, Sky and Amanda Roberts, in the coming weeks, it is understood.
The pair have been outspoken in their support for Giuffre and the police investigation since her death, and issued a statement following Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest in February, saying that “our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty”.
It comes after the force issued a wide-ranging plea for witnesses, emphasising their probe into alleged misconduct in a public office (MIPO) could include a broad spectrum of misconduct – including sexual offences.
The investigation surrounds Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a trade envoy, which he took up in 2001. The former prince stepped down 10 years later amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Epstein.
Detectives previously urged a woman who claims to have been sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with the former Duke of York to come forward and said their “door is open”. The woman, who remains anonymous, has claimed she had been brought to the UK for a sexual encounter with the then-prince at his residence at the time, Royal Lodge, in 2010.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strenuously denied all allegations.
MIPO is a criminal offence that concerns serious wilful abuse, or neglect, of the power or responsibilities pertaining to the public office held. The force said it is a “crime that can take many different forms”, resulting in a “complex” and potentially lengthy investigation.
A source previously said police feared that people believe their investigation is focused solely on possible financial criminality, but this “couldn’t be further from the truth”.
“Misconduct in public office covers many others, including sex offences, fraud, corruption, perverting the course of justice and others,” they added.
“We have a much broader view. We are investigating all aspects and we will go where the evidence leads us.”
The force also said at the time it had contacted relevant US authorities to obtain original documents released as part of the Epstein files, as part of their wider investigation.
A TVP spokesperson said:“Our misconduct in public office investigation is ongoing. We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of enquiry.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
