Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reportedly probing allegations that the ex-prince behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot.
The alleged incident is said to have happened at the racing event in Berkshire in 2002. That year, Royal Ascot was attended by the late-Queen Elizabeth II with other senior royals during the year of her Golden Jubilee. It is not clear whether the claim about alleged inappropriate behaviour by Andrew was reported to officers at the time or more recently, The Sunday Times reported.
A Thames Valley Police (TVP) spokesperson told the Mirror: “We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.”
View 3 ImagesAndrew and King Charles at Royal Ascot in 2002(Image: Daily Mirror)
The force is continuing its investigation into the ex-duke and on Friday it was confirmed they will consider allegations of sexual misconduct in their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
In the statement, from Friday, the force added that it was also appealing to witnesses to come forward. Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us through the normal non-urgent contact channels, such as the Thames Valley Police online portal.”
Detectives at TVP are understood to be concerned that the public believes they are only focused on accusations that Andrew shared information while a trade envoy, when in fact the legal terms of the offence under investigation are much broader.
View 3 ImagesAndrew pictured outside Sandringham in 2022(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Assistant Chief Constable added: “Our misconduct in public office investigation is continuing. Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation.
“Our team of very experienced detectives are working meticulously through a significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead.”
The former prince served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19, his 66th birthday, and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation. Searches were also carried out at his former homes in Windsor and Norfolk.
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Detectives are understood to be working through evidence recovered during the operation. They have also made a formal request to the United States Department of Justice for the original versions of the Epstein files, but have not yet received any information.