Scotland Yard Personnel Assigned Security Duties at Epstein Residence During Royal Visit, Documents Reveal
Recently disclosed correspondence from the United States Department of Justice reveals that London’s Metropolitan Police Service personnel were assigned to provide protection services at Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan residence during a social gathering attended by Prince Andrew.
The Metropolitan Police has stated that no misconduct has been identified among its protection personnel “at this time.” The department announced Friday that it is currently “identifying and contacting” both current and former officers who might possess pertinent information regarding these events.
During the period in question, Prince Andrew held senior working royal status, which entitled him to close protection detail as standard security protocol for members of the Royal Family in his position.
The Duke of York has consistently and categorically denied any improper conduct.
In an official statement provided to media outlets, the Metropolitan Police emphasized that protection officers are subject to identical professional conduct standards as all law enforcement personnel within the organization.
“Their conduct remains subject to examination and review,” the statement noted.
The police force declined to provide commentary on specific security protocols for individuals under their protection.
Documentation from the Epstein case files indicates arrangements were made for Prince Andrew’s accommodation at Epstein’s residence during December 2010.
The released communications show Prince Andrew’s personal secretary requesting the specific address for the stay and seeking “verification regarding accommodation availability for both protection officers at the residence.”
Internal correspondence among Epstein’s personnel confirms adequate space was available for “both of Andrew’s security detail… one officer on the fourth floor and another on the fifth floor.”
The documentation suggests that Prince Andrew and his Metropolitan Police protection team received temporary access credentials to facilitate entry and exit from Epstein’s New York property.
A message dated December 1, 2010, the day before Epstein’s dinner event, shows an unnamed staff member informing Epstein: “The Duke’s two protection officers alongside state security personnel will be present for tomorrow’s dinner gathering. Rich has provided them with door access instructions.”
In earlier communications with media, the Metropolitan Police declined to verify whether officers were accommodated at Epstein’s residence as the correspondence suggests, nor whether they received security access codes for the property.
Official royal travel arrangements fall under the purview of the government’s Royal Visits Committee, which evaluates plans for formal travel by working members of the Royal Family.
This committee includes senior officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Royal Household, Downing Street, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Cabinet Office.
When approached regarding knowledge of Prince Andrew’s various visits to Epstein properties, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided a response through a government spokesperson.
The spokesperson confirmed that the department had reviewed official travel arrangements made by the then Duke of York during 2008 and 2009.
The statement clarified: “The Royal Visits Committee does not oversee private travel conducted by working Royal Family members, nor any travel by non-working members.”
Prince Andrew was taken into custody the previous Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was released pending further investigation after eleven hours in detention.
Investigative searches at his previous residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, remain ongoing.
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