Police assessing possible sexual offences in Andrew investigation

Police officers are assessing possible sexual offences as part of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct in public office.

Specialist officers from Thames Valley Police are speaking to several witnesses as the force assesses several alleged offences linked with misconduct in public office relating to Andrew’s period as UK trade envoy.

The former prince, 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid allegations that he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein.

He was later released under investigation and has always strongly rejected allegations of wrongdoing in links with Epstein. He has also denied any personal gain from his trade role.

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Andrew’s links with the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile led to his dramatic downfall. The ongoing saga saw him initially step down from royal duties before his titles were gradually taken from him.

Thames Valley Police arrested the scandal-hit former Duke in February after the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice led to allegations that Andrew had used his UK Trade Envoy role to share sensitive information with Epstein.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing including his links to Epstein.

The offence of misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, can include the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of their duty, sexual misconduct, corruption and improper influence, conflict of interest, abuse of those under their care, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.

Specialist officers are understood to be considering several possible lines of enquiry related to the offence.

The team, which is akin to a major crime investigation in scope and scale, includes some of the force’s most experienced officers who have previously investigated sexual offences and other offences relating to misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police is understood to be assessing reports that a woman was allegedly taken to an address in Windsor in 2010.

Allegations had previously been reported, via an attorney in the US, that a woman was taken to Windsor for sexual purposes and then had been taken on elsewhere.

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The BBC had reported that the woman was sent to Britain by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former duke did not respond to a request for comment but he has previously strongly denied any wrongdoing with regards to links with Epstein.

The force is engaging with the woman’s legal representation and is understood to have expressed that officers are taking a victim-centred approach and that they are ready to engage with her.

While the force’s misconduct in public office investigation team is assessing the allegations, GB News understands that several lines of inquiry could be prosecuted as standalone offences or as part of the misconduct probe, if it meets the evidential threshold.

The unprecedented investigation has involved a national coordination group, close liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service and requests for information from American officials.

The force is understood to have not yet received any information or documentation from the US Department of Justice.

Officers are speaking to several witnesses but are keen to speak to anyone who might have information about the full breadth of possible misconduct in public office.

Information relevant to the investigation has been sent to Thames Valley Police from the public and from other channels, such as media reporting.

GB News understands that the force is facing a legal challenge about proving if Andrew was a public official when the alleged offences were committed. This legal issue is a key legal threshold for investigators to meet in order to progress the investigation under misconduct in public office.

Proving that a person committed misconduct while in public office is easier for different roles, such as soldiers and police officers.

Thames Valley Police is facing a legal hurdle in its investigation because there is precedent from previous prosecutions, as alleged misconduct by members of the Royal Household who have served as trade envoys has never been tested in law before.

The force's Assistant Chief Constable, Oliver Wright, said: "Our misconduct in public office investigation is continuing.

"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.

"We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead.

"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.

"I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate."

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