UK protection officers instructed to guard 2010 Epstein dinner party: reports

South China Morning Post
by Reuters
February 22, 2026
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UK protection officers instructed to guard 2010 Epstein dinner party: reports
The UK police assigned to protect Prince Andrew were instructed to secure a 2010 dinner party hosted by Jeffrey Epstein at his New York home, according to newly surfaced emails from the Epstein files. The Sunday Times reported that two protection officers from London’s Metropolitan Police force were given explicit instructions to monitor the event, with one email stating they had been “given instructions on the door.” These revelations come as police are actively investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While no wrongdoing by the protection officers has been identified yet, authorities are contacting former staff to gather more information. The emails, obtained from the Epstein files, detail plans for Mountbatten-Windsor’s stay at Epstein’s residence in December 2010. One message sent the night before the party instructed the security team on their roles, including monitoring access points. This incident raises questions about the prince’s associations with Epstein, a convicted sex offender who was found dead in August 2019 under suspicious circumstances. The timing of these disclosures coincides with growing scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein and his potential role in facilitating Epstein’s activities. The reports highlight the need for transparency in high-profile cases involving public figures and their connections to individuals like Epstein. While the Metropolitan Police have declined to comment further, the allegations add another layer to the ongoing investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s actions. The case has drawn significant global attention, particularly due to Epstein’s notoriety and the prince’s royal status. As authorities continue their probe, the public’s trust in institutions will hinge on how these claims are addressed and resolved.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026