CPS CHIEF SAYS MANDELSON AND ANDREW PROBES MAY LAST A YEAR

The Crown Prosecution Service chief has stated that investigations into Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew could take more than a year to complete. The CPS head made the disclosure publicly, confirming both inquiries are active and ongoing. The two cases are being handled separately but fall under the same prosecutorial authority. No charges have been filed in either matter at this stage.

Mandelson currently serves as the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the United States, appointed to the role by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Prince Andrew, formerly a working member of the Royal Family, stepped back from public duties in 2019. The CPS chief's statement sets a formal timeline expectation for both investigations. The nature of the specific allegations under examination was not detailed in the statement.

The disclosure establishes that neither investigation will reach a rapid conclusion. The CPS operates independently of government and makes charging decisions based solely on its legal tests. Both Mandelson and Andrew are public figures whose cases carry significant institutional visibility. The confirmed next step is the continuation of both inquiries through the standard prosecutorial process.