Met police officers were told to guard Jeffrey Epstein's home, emails show
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Metropolitan Police (Met) officers were instructed to provide security for Prince Andrew during a 2010 visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, according to emails released by the US Department of Justice. The correspondence reveals that Andrew, then a senior working member of the Royal Family, was accompanied by close protection officers who stayed at Epstein’s property and were given a temporary security code to enter and exit. Internal communications between Epstein’s staff confirm arrangements for two bodyguards to stay on separate floors of the building.
The emails also detail how Andrew’s private secretary requested confirmation that there was “room for both his protection officers” during the visit. Epstein’s team responded by confirming space for the Duke’s security team, including state officials. The Met has not yet identified any wrongdoing but is reviewing the matter and contacting former and current officers who may have relevant information.
The emails further show that Andrew’s protection team was integrated into the security arrangements for a dinner party hosted by Epstein on December 1, 2010. This included specific instructions from Epstein’s staff about door access for the Duke and his team. The BBC previously sought clarification from the Met regarding whether the officers stayed at Epstein’s home and were provided with a security code.
While the Met declined to comment on specific security arrangements, it emphasized that its protection officers are held to high professional standards. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, who was later convicted of sex trafficking and killed in 2019 while in federal custody. The emails add new context to the ongoing investigation into Andrew’s interactions with Epstein, which has cast doubt on his past behavior.
This revelation raises questions about the extent of official knowledge surrounding Andrew’s visits to Epstein’s properties and how such high-profile individuals are protected during private events. It also underscores the broader scrutiny surrounding royal security arrangements and their potential ties to controversial figures. As Andrew faces ongoing legal challenges, including a criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, these details add another layer to his already complex reputation.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026