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Prince Andrew Inquiry Finds Obstruction, Lack of Remorse

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. w-inquiry-finds-obstruction-lack-of-remorse.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 8:14 GMT by The New York Times
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES

LONDON - February 19th, 2026 - A deeply critical inquiry into Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has delivered its findings today, painting a damning portrait of obstruction, a lack of remorse, and raising significant questions about political interference surrounding the handling of related information within the Labour Party. The report, the culmination of a two-year investigation launched in 2024, not only condemns the Prince's behavior but also casts a shadow over Keir Starmer's office, specifically concerning the delayed release of documents pertaining to Lord Mandelson.

The inquiry's central findings center around Prince Andrew's repeated failures to fully cooperate with investigators and his demonstrably evasive conduct during questioning. Described as exhibiting a "profound lack of insight" into the severity of Epstein's crimes, the Prince allegedly downplayed his association with the financier and consistently obstructed the investigation's progress. The use of the word "remarkable" to characterize his actions, as stated in the report, has been widely interpreted as a scathing indictment, implying a degree of behavior that far exceeded mere non-cooperation. Sources close to the inquiry suggest the Prince routinely offered justifications and explanations that were inconsistent and at times, demonstrably false.

The scale of Prince Andrew's alleged obstruction is detailed extensively within the 1,000+ page report. Investigators reportedly faced consistent challenges in obtaining clear and truthful answers, with the Prince frequently invoking legal counsel and citing memory lapses. The report highlights specific instances where the Prince appeared to prioritize protecting his own reputation over assisting the investigation into a network of horrific abuse. This has fueled renewed calls from anti-royal abuse campaigners to strip him of his remaining honorary military titles and further isolate him from public life.

However, the inquiry's scope extended beyond the Prince's conduct, turning its attention to the actions of Keir Starmer's office. The report focuses on a decision made by Starmer's team to delay the public release of documents concerning Lord Mandelson's involvement in discussions about Prince Andrew's initial public response to the Epstein allegations. Critics argue this delay was a deliberate attempt to shield Mandelson, a long-time and influential figure within the Labour Party, from potential scrutiny. The inquiry raises the possibility that the timing of the release was strategically manipulated for political gain, hindering full transparency.

The report posits that the delayed release could have been motivated by a desire to avoid negative publicity for the Labour Party in the lead-up to a crucial general election, currently scheduled for late 2026. While the documents were eventually released, the inquiry questions whether the initial hesitation compromised the integrity of the investigation and potentially allowed for the concealment of relevant information. Opposition parties have seized upon these findings, accusing Labour of hypocrisy given their public stance on transparency and accountability.

Responding to the report's release, Keir Starmer acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged full cooperation with any subsequent investigations into his office's conduct. He maintained that the decision to delay the documents was made in good faith, potentially due to legal complexities or concerns about protecting sensitive information. However, he conceded that mistakes "may have been made" and promised a thorough internal review to determine whether proper protocols were followed. This admission, while seemingly conciliatory, is likely to do little to quell the growing political storm.

The fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to reverberate throughout British society, impacting not only the Royal Family and the Labour Party but also raising broader questions about power, privilege, and accountability. Legal experts predict the report's findings will likely trigger further civil lawsuits and potentially even criminal investigations. The Prince's legal team has yet to issue a comprehensive response, but sources indicate they are preparing to challenge the report's conclusions. The full document, now publicly available, is expected to be dissected in detail by the media and the public in the coming days, promising a prolonged period of intense scrutiny and debate.