Police assess possible sexual offences in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor misconduct investigation

Police officers are assessing possible sexual offences as part of the ongoing investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged misconduct in public office.

Specialist officers widen the inquiry

Specialist officers from Thames Valley Police are in the process of speaking to several witnesses as the force evaluates several alleged offences connected to misconduct in public office during Andrew's tenure as UK trade envoy.

The former prince, aged 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that he passed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein.

He was subsequently released under investigation and has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein. He has also denied having derived any personal gain from his trade envoy role.

Andrew's downfall and arrest

Andrew's association with the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile has been at the centre of his dramatic fall from grace, leading him first to step back from royal duties before his titles were gradually stripped from him.

Thames Valley Police arrested the former Duke in February following the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which gave rise to allegations that Andrew had used his position as UK Trade Envoy to share sensitive information with Epstein.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has at all times strenuously denied any wrongdoing, including in relation to his ties with Epstein.

The offence of misconduct in public office — which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment — can encompass the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, sexual misconduct, corruption and improper influence, conflict of interest, abuse of those under one's care, perverting the course of justice, dishonest or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct resulting in personal gain.

Scale and scope of the investigation

Specialist officers are understood to be pursuing several possible lines of enquiry connected to the offence.

The investigative team, which is comparable in scope and scale to a major crime investigation, comprises some of the force's most experienced detectives, several of whom have previously handled cases involving sexual offences and misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police are understood to be assessing reports that a woman was allegedly taken to an address in Windsor in 2010.

Allegations had previously been reported through a US attorney that a woman was brought to Windsor for sexual purposes before being taken elsewhere.

The BBC had previously reported that the woman was sent to Britain by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former duke did not respond to a request for comment, though he has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein.

The force is engaging with the woman's legal representatives and is understood to have communicated that officers are adopting a victim-centred approach and stand ready to engage with her directly.

Lines of inquiry and legal challenges

Whilst the misconduct in public office investigation team continues to assess the allegations, GB News understands that several lines of inquiry could be pursued as standalone offences or as part of the broader misconduct probe, provided they meet the required evidential threshold.

The investigation is described as unprecedented and has involved a national coordination group, close liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, and formal requests for information from American officials.

The force is understood to have not yet received any information or documentation from the US Department of Justice.

Officers are currently speaking to a number of witnesses but remain keen to hear from anyone who may hold information relevant to the full extent of the possible misconduct in public office.

Information connected to the investigation has been received by Thames Valley Police both from members of the public and through other channels, including media reporting.

GB News understands that the force faces a significant legal challenge in establishing whether Andrew held the status of a public official at the time the alleged offences were committed — a key threshold that investigators must satisfy in order to progress the inquiry under misconduct in public office.

This legal question is considered particularly complex given that alleged misconduct by members of the Royal Household serving as trade envoys has never previously been tested in law.

Police statement

Thames Valley Police's Assistant Chief Constable, Oliver Wright, said: "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.

"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.

"I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate."