Prince Andrew Security at Epstein Dinner: UK Police Role Under Scrunity

Fresh revelations have intensified scrutiny around Prince Andrew after reports suggested that police officers assigned to his protection detail were present at a private dinner hosted by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in New York in 2010. The development has revived questions about the royal’s past associations and the security protocols followed during overseas visits.

According to reports citing internal communications from files linked to Epstein, arrangements were made for the Duke of York to stay at Epstein’s residence during the December 2010 trip. Emails referenced security arrangements for a dinner gathering, indicating that two Metropolitan Police protection officers accompanying Andrew had been briefed on access instructions for the event.

The Metropolitan Police Service has stated that no evidence of wrongdoing by the protection officers has been identified at this stage. Officials emphasised that protection officers are tasked with ensuring the safety of individuals under their protection and routinely operate within local arrangements when travelling abroad. Authorities have also contacted former officers who were part of the security detail and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward as inquiries continue.

The reports emerge amid renewed attention on Andrew’s relationship with Epstein and ongoing investigations tied to alleged document sharing and past associations. In a separate development, the royal was recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an unrelated probe. The case concerns allegations that confidential government documents were shared with Epstein during Andrew’s tenure as a UK trade envoy. He was released under investigation after questioning, and searches linked to the probe are ongoing.

Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has previously expressed regret over maintaining contact with him. His association with Epstein has remained a source of public controversy for years, particularly following Epstein’s conviction and subsequent death in custody in 2019.

In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. The settlement did not include an admission of liability, and Andrew has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The latest reports have renewed debate in the UK over royal accountability, security protocols and the reputational implications of historic associations. While investigators have not indicated criminal liability related to the reported dinner security arrangements, the episode underscores how past relationships continue to shape public perception and institutional scrutiny.

As inquiries continue, the focus remains on clarifying the circumstances of the 2010 visit, the role of security personnel and whether any procedural lapses occurred. The outcome may influence ongoing discussions about transparency and oversight involving public figures and state resources.