UK police widen Prince Andrew probe to include sexual misconduct claims

Thames Valley Police are expanding their investigation of former Prince Andrew, Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, to assess allegations of sexual misconduct alongside the existing inquiry into misconduct in public office. The original probe, launched after his February 2026 arrest, focused on whether he shared confidential information with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s special trade envoy from 2001‑2011.

Police now say they are examining a claim that Epstein sent a non‑British woman to the former prince’s Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010 for sexual purposes. Detectives have contacted the woman’s lawyer and are urging any witnesses to come forward, stressing a “care, sensitivity and respect … for her privacy and her right for anonymity.” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation,” and added, “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.”

Andrew, stripped of his royal titles and denied all accusations, was released after an 11‑hour interview and remains under investigation. The police are seeking original Epstein files from the U.S. Department of Justice and are coordinating with the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency. No charges have been filed at this stage.