Epstein affair

British connections
Analysis: The reputation of the entire royal family is at stake

The fact that the British court is coming out and saying that they are ready to work with the police if they proceed with their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connections to Jeffrey Epstein is a very big deal. That's according to Sky News court reporter Rhiannon Mills.

The statement comes at the same time as Prince William lands in Saudi Arabia and in connection with diplomatic trips, the court usually does its utmost not to interfere, she says.

- But now they felt that they have heard too much about the Epstein files and that something had to be said on their part. Ultimately, it is the reputation of the entire royal family that is at stake, she says.

BBC court reporter Helena Wilkinson reacts to the court talking about King Charles' "deep dismay" over what continues to emerge about his younger brother. She also calls it “extraordinary” and that the court reminds us that Charles has already taken measures that are “unprecedented”, namely to strip Andrew of his princely title.

– The statement shows that the court realizes that the Epstein connection to Andrew will not disappear on its own, she says.

Investigation
Member: Several suspected perpetrators “mysteriously” masked

At least six men who “probably” were involved in Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes have had their names masked in the Epstein documents. This is what several members of Congress who have been given the opportunity to review the documents say, according to Axios, among others.

One of the men is said to have been high-ranking in another country’s government.

– There is nothing in our legislation that allows them to mask the names of these men, says Republican member Thomas Massie.

Democrat Jamie Raskin says that he has seen many names that have been masked for “mysterious, puzzling or inscrutable reasons”. He also says he has seen names of victims that were not redacted at all.

Massie and his Democratic colleague Ro Khanna suspect that the FBI or prosecutors redacted the documents before they reached the Justice Department.

Congressmen review Epstein documents

• Congressmen from both the Democratic and Republican sides have been given the opportunity to review the documents.
• The unmasked documents will be available to members on four specific computers at the Justice Department.
• Members must register at least one day in advance to gain access.
• They are not allowed to bring electronics, but they are allowed to take notes.
• Some members have said they may release the names to Congress.