Detectives investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are also examining claims of sexual misconduct with ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former duke, arrested in February on suspicion of sharing confidential information with Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy, now faces additional scrutiny over an allegation made by a woman.
New Allegations Surface
According to her lawyer, Brad Edwards, who first spoke to the BBC, the woman alleges she was sent by Epstein to Andrew’s home, the Royal Lodge, to have sex with him in 2010. The incident was reportedly followed by a tour of Buckingham Palace. The woman was in her 20s at the time of the alleged events.
Detectives are said to be concerned that the public believes they are only focusing on accusations that Andrew shared information while serving as a trade envoy. However, a misconduct in public office investigation can encompass a range of conduct, including wilful neglect of duty and sexual misconduct.
Background on Andrew’s Role
Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011. He stepped down from the role following controversy over his friendship with Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein.
The former Prince Andrew was arrested on his birthday, with police spotted at the Sandringham Estate and at his previous home, Windsor’s Royal Lodge, before being released.
Police Response
Thames Valley Police released a statement: ‘We have engaged with the woman’s legal representative to confirm that, should she wish to report this to police, it will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity. We recognise how difficult it can be to speak about experiences of this nature, and any contact with police will be led by her wishes, when and if she feels ready and able to do so.’
Police have been sifting through information recovered during searches in Windsor and Norfolk. A formal request has also been made to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to obtain the original versions of the Epstein files.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said a team is working through a ‘significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources.’ He encouraged anyone with information to contact the force through non-urgent channels.
