Andrew's Former Aide Charlotte Manley 'Willing' to Cooperate with Police in Epstein-Related Misconduct Probe

Charlotte Manley rarely surfaces in public life. A former Royal Navy officer who worked as a clerk at St George's Chapel, Windsor, she has kept well clear of the long-running controversy surrounding her former employer. But investigators and royal commentators have now turned their attention to her, and Manley herself has made plain that, if it comes to it, she is prepared to speak.

Manley told The Times, which tracked her down at her home in the UK, that she would prefer to give any account to law enforcement rather than the press. 'I would rather talk to the police than the press, not that I would have much to tell them,' she said. It was a measured response, but the significance of it was not lost on those following Operation Ironville - the name given to the active police investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York.

Andrew was arrested on 19 February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation remains ongoing.

What Manley May Know About the Andrew Probe

Manley served as Andrew's assistant private secretary and treasurer from 1996, and was appointed his private secretary and treasurer from 2001 until 2003 - the period during which he served as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. She accompanied him regularly on his overseas trips in that role, giving her a ringside view of who he met, how those meetings were arranged, and what was paid for from public funds.

One detail that has drawn particular attention: Manley signed a cheque for £75 (approximately $95) drawn on a Buckingham Palace account to pay a masseuse arranged by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000. The masseuse, Monique Giannelloni, later said she was taken aback when Andrew appeared for the massage without clothing, though she stated he did not behave inappropriately.

Royal commentators cited by Fox News suggested that the transaction alone could be of interest to investigators examining the financial dimensions of Andrew's conduct during that period.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich noted that Manley might be able to shed light on who authorised payments linked to travel and hospitality during Andrew's trade envoy years, and whether Maxwell's network had any role in facilitating access to the prince. She also suggested Manley may have detailed logs of Andrew's schedule and activities from that period, records which could help corroborate other claims being examined by police.

Pressure Mounts on Andrew's Circle as Investigation Widens

British broadcaster Helena Chard described Manley as the 'talk of the town' among those connected to the investigation, noting that associates of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were facing mounting public pressure to come forward voluntarily. 'Operation Ironville is in full swing,' Chard said. 'Manley is a key witness and rather than be hounded by the press, Manley has made it clear she prefers to speak with the police.'

Fordwich pointed to Manley's background - Royal Navy service, a role at one of Britain's most prominent royal chapels - as factors that may incline her towards formal cooperation. King Charles III has publicly stated that the law must take its course, and that sentiment appears to carry weight among those deciding whether to come forward.

The investigation's reach has also drawn Andrew's daughters into scrutiny. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that Princess Eugenie had stepped down as patron of Anti-Slavery International, and that both she and Princess Beatrice were not expected at royal events for the foreseeable future. Questions have also been raised about how their lifestyles were funded in earlier years. Royal commentator Meredith Constant said a source had told her the palace was preparing to distance itself further from Eugenie and Beatrice, with a possible removal of titles and royal housing under consideration.

It remains unclear whether Manley has been formally contacted by police. What is clear is that, as Operation Ironville moves forward, the circle of people with direct knowledge of Andrew's conduct during his years as a royal trade envoy is growing smaller, and the pressure on those within it is growing considerably larger.