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Police expand scope of investigation into former royal
Detectives examining potential misconduct in public office by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are now assessing allegations of sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry, Thames Valley Police confirmed on Friday.
Call for witnesses amid complex probe
Police reiterated their appeal for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that the investigation covers a wide range of potential offenses beyond the narrow definition of misconduct in public office. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated, "Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation."
The force is concerned that witnesses may mistakenly believe the inquiry is limited to allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade reports with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, rather than broader potential misconduct.
Background and timeline of the investigation
The probe was launched following the release of US Department of Justice files related to Epstein, who died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Epstein had previously been convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, was arrested on 19 February and released under investigation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including allegations of personal gain from his public role. Thames Valley Police have not named him publicly, referring to him only as "a man in his 60s from Norfolk."
Detectives searched his residence on King Charles III's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, as well as his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Allegations and police response
The investigation is examining whether Mountbatten-Windsor abused his position, including potential financial misconduct, sexual misconduct, and other forms of wrongdoing. Misconduct in public office is defined as a public official willfully neglecting their duty through behavior that could include a range of offenses.
In a recent update, police confirmed they had contacted the lawyer of a woman in her 20s who, according to a BBC report, was allegedly sent by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Thames Valley Police stated, "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." No formal investigation into this specific allegation has been opened.
International cooperation and legal proceedings
Thames Valley Police are working with the US Department of Justice to obtain further information related to the Epstein files, though no formal material has been received yet. The request is being processed through the UK's National Crime Agency.
The force is also liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to receive early investigative advice. Detectives have already spoken to multiple witnesses and are part of a national coordination group led by the National Police Chiefs' Council, which is examining information from the Epstein files and reaching out to known victims.
ACC Wright acknowledged the challenges faced by potential victims, stating, "There is a risk that the victim survivors may be put off from contacting us because they feel the weight of public, national and international focus will be too much for them."
Next steps and timeline
While the investigation is described as progressing "at pace," it is unlikely that police and the CPS will reach a decision on potential charges before 2027. Police have not encountered insurmountable obstacles but continue to gather evidence and assess allegations.
"We hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward whenever they are ready to engage with us; our door is always open," Thames Valley Police said.
