Prosecutors are “providing early investigative advice” to the police as they carry out their inquiries into Lord Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of public misconduct on February 19, and subsequently released on investigation that evening.
The arrest was specifically related to allegations that he shared confidential Government information with the late convicted sex offender while serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Lord Peter Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 23.
The arrest followed a Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations that he leaked sensitive Government information to the convicted sex offender while serving as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown between 2008 and 2010.
Mandelson has consistently maintained that he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.
Both Mr Mandelson and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor have since been released under investigation. Detectives can ask for investigative advice from CPS lawyers during an investigation for them to consider and assess before determining whether or not to bring charges.
Prosecutors 'providing early investigative advice' to police about Andrew and Peter Mandelson
|REUTERS / PA
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: “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.
“We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man.
“We remain ready to support any investigation if needed.”
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Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday
| REUTERSAfter Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, King Charles issued an unprecedented statement.
It read: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
Peter Mandelson outside his home in north west London following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office
|PA
"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
Today's update comes after it was confirmed on Tuesday that King Charles and Queen Camilla would be making a state visit to the US to see Donald Trump next month as planned.
The King and Queen’s long-expected historic trip will take place in late April, despite calls for it to be postponed or even cancelled because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It is understood that Charles and Camilla will not be able to meet with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell while there are ongoing UK police investigations.