Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February and is being investigated by Thames Valley Police, who have now expanded their inquiry to include allegations of sexual misconduct
Officers investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reportedly probing an allegation of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman at Royal Ascot.
The alleged incident is believed to have occurred at the Berkshire racing event in 2002, according to The Sunday Times. Royal Ascot is a key fixture in the royal family’s summer calendar, and Queen Elizabeth II was also present at the event in 2002, the year of her Golden Jubilee.
It remains unclear whether the claim regarding Andrew’s alleged inappropriate conduct was reported to officers at the time or more recently, The Sunday Times stated. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police (TVP) said: “We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.”
The force, which oversees Windsor and Ascot in Berkshire, is continuing its investigation into the former duke. On Friday, it was confirmed they will consider allegations of sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
Detectives at TVP are understood to be concerned that the public perceives their focus to be solely on accusations that Andrew shared information while serving as a trade envoy. However, the legal parameters of the offence under investigation are much wider.
The former prince held the role of the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011. He stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
He has refuted any misconduct regarding his connections to the convicted sex offender.
TVP’s major inquiry is anticipated to be protracted, and will encounter hurdles including attempting to establish whether Andrew occupied a public position during the period of the accusations, something that lacks clear legal definition.
Nevertheless, it is understood that should this prove not to be the situation, the force would persist in examining any evidence of other, distinct offences.
Andrew was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19 and questioned under caution before being freed pending further investigation.
Searches were also conducted at his previous residences in Windsor and Norfolk.Officers are understood to be examining evidence seized during the operation.
They have also submitted a formal application to the United States Department of Justice for the original copies of the Epstein documents, but have not yet obtained any material.
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