Police Broaden Former Prince Andrew Misconduct Probe
Detectives leading the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses, BBC reports. Thames Valley Police have expressed concern that the public might mistakenly believe their inquiries are strictly limited to allegations that the former Prince Andrew shared a confidential trade document with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Authorities are eager to clarify that misconduct in public office is a highly complex and broad offence. Investigators want to ensure potential witnesses understand the probe is exploring crimes that may have directly affected individuals rather than just focusing on offences against the state.
Potential aspects of misconduct include abuse of position, corruption, financial misconduct, personal gain, sexual misconduct.
Background to the inquiry
The investigation was initially triggered by the release of United States Department of Justice (DOJ) files concerning Epstein. The disgraced financier died in a New York prison cell in 2019 whilst awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Currently, Thames Valley Police are relying on publicly available material as they await formal documentation from the DOJ. However, detectives are reportedly satisfied with the level of co-operation they are receiving from the UK government and the Royal Household. Formal requests for international information are being processed through the National Crime Agency.
Arrest and property searches
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was officially arrested on February 19 and is currently released under investigation. As part of the ongoing probe, detectives have conducted thorough searches of his property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and his former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Following standard police protocol for uncharged suspects, Thames Valley Police have solely referred to the suspect as a «man in his 60s from Norfolk». Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied any wrongdoing regarding his ties to Epstein and maintains he never profited personally from his decade-long role as a British trade envoy.
An «open door» for survivors
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasised that the investigation is examining numerous aspects of alleged misconduct and that the force is working proactively to support victims.
«We hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward whenever they are ready to engage with us; our door is always open,» Wright stated.
He also acknowledged the risk that the intense public, national and international focus on the case might deter victim-survivors from coming forward.
The force is currently collaborating with a national co-ordinating group led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to contact known victims of Epstein and encourage others to speak to authorities.
Timeline and separate allegations
Detectives are consulting closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to share information and secure early investigative advice. Despite the inquiry proceeding at pace, it is becoming apparent that a final decision regarding formal charges is unlikely to be made before 2027.
Separately, authorities are assessing a recent BBC report alleging that Epstein sent a woman in her 20s to have a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Thames Valley Police confirmed they have contacted the woman’s legal representatives to assure her that any potential report would be handled with the utmost care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy. A formal investigation into this specific claim has not yet been opened.
