Police are reportedly investigating whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot. The alleged incident occurred in 2002, when the late Queen Elizabeth II attended the horse race in Berkshire with other senior royals.
Investigation Details
The Sunday Times reported that it is unclear whether the claim was reported to the police at the time or more recently. Thames Valley Police told Metro: 'We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of enquiry.' The force, which covers Windsor and Ascot in Berkshire, is still investigating the disgraced duke for potential misconduct in public office.
Background of the Probe
Andrew was arrested on his birthday in February on suspicion of sharing confidential information with the convicted late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK trade envoy. Police officials stated on Friday that they are considering widening their investigation to include claims of sexual misconduct against Andrew.
A woman claims she was sent by Epstein to the Royal Lodge to have sex with Andrew in 2010, followed by a tour of Buckingham Palace. She was in her 20s at the time of the alleged incident, according to her lawyer, Brad Edwards, who spoke to the BBC. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his links to Epstein.
Lengthy Inquiry Expected
Detectives anticipate that their investigation will be lengthy, given the complex nature of the inquiry, including proving that Andrew held a public office at the time of the allegations. They are currently reviewing material recovered during searches at the former prince's home on the Sandringham Estate and at Windsor's Royal Lodge. A formal request has also been made to the US Department of Justice to obtain the original versions of the Epstein files.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright urged the public to come forward with information, stating: '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.'
The former prince served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, a role that placed him in the public eye during the period of the alleged misconduct.
