Detectives investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are examining whether allegations of sexual misconduct could form part of a wider inquiry into suspected misconduct in public office.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, stressing that the offence under investigation is broad and can include a range of behaviours such as abuse of authority, corruption, and sexual misconduct linked to the exercise of public office.
The inquiry was triggered after the release of US Department of Justice materials relating to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing and rejects claims that he benefited personally from his role as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. He has not been charged with any offence.
He was arrested on 19 February and released under investigation. Thames Valley Police have previously described him only as “a man in his 60s from Norfolk”, in line with standard UK practice before charges are brought.
As part of the investigation, his properties at Sandringham and Windsor were searched by detectives. Police say they are continuing to review material connected to the Epstein case, much of which has been obtained from publicly released documents.
Investigators say they are in contact with US authorities and are seeking further information through official channels, including the National Crime Agency. They are also working with the Crown Prosecution Service, receiving early legal guidance as the case develops.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed that several witnesses have already been interviewed and that efforts are ongoing to identify and contact potential victims or individuals with relevant information.
Officials within the investigation have emphasised that misconduct in public office is not limited to financial or administrative wrongdoing, but can also involve conduct affecting individuals directly. Police say they are aware that some potential witnesses may not yet realise the scope of what could be relevant to the case.
The force has also expressed concern that the scale of public attention may discourage potential victim-survivors from coming forward, and has reiterated that all reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.
At this stage, investigators say the inquiry remains active and ongoing, with no decision yet made on whether charges will be brought. Any decision from police and prosecutors is unlikely before 2027.
A separate BBC report alleging that a woman in her 20s was sent by Epstein to meet Mountbatten-Windsor is also being assessed by investigators, who have contacted the woman’s legal representative to encourage her to speak directly with police if she chooses to do so.
Police have reiterated that their “door remains open” to anyone wishing to provide information as the investigation continues.
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