Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about alleged sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud, or sharing of confidential information involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the king's brother. The force has vowed to rigorously investigate claims against the former Prince Andrew, now 66, who was arrested and questioned under criminal caution in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his role as a British trade envoy.
Allegations and Denials
Mountbatten-Windsor is alleged to have passed information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice. The former prince denies all wrongdoing. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that Thames Valley Police (TVP) are already working through a significant amount of information from witnesses but are concerned that people with relevant information may think detectives are focused only on the passing of confidential information.
Scope of Misconduct in Public Office
Police emphasize that misconduct in public office (MIPO) covers a range of offences, including sexual misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, perverting the course of justice, and dishonest or fraudulent conduct. Wright said: "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."
Investigation Details
Information has already been or will be obtained from the royal household and government departments involved in the former prince's appointment as a trade envoy. Detectives are expected to seek documents and witnesses about the expected behaviour and ethics of the role. TVP are also expected to seek information from the Metropolitan Police, which assessed claims against Mountbatten-Windsor twice and declined to investigate.
The investigation includes detectives with expertise in sexual offences. The force is still assessing a claim from a woman who alleges she was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. This is not yet a full criminal investigation. The woman lives in the US, and detectives have contacted her through her lawyer. Wright said: "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."
Timeline and International Cooperation
The investigation is expected to be lengthy, with no criminal trial until 2027 if evidence supports charges. Three British forces are conducting full criminal investigations triggered by revelations in the Epstein files. Police believe obtaining the original Epstein documents is "hugely important," but US authorities have declined to hand them over, requiring a formal international legal request that could take months.
After Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, police conducted a short search of his Norfolk home and a week-long search on the Windsor estate. Materials seized are still being examined. One key aspect is proving that his trade envoy role falls under MIPO rules. Police have held early discussions with Crown Prosecution Service lawyers. TVP have not officially named Mountbatten-Windsor as the man arrested in February.
