Thames Valley Police are investigating an allegation that Prince Andrew behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot in 2002, according to the Sunday Times. The alleged incident occurred during the five-day racing event in Berkshire, the same year as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
The force confirmed on Friday that their investigation into the Duke of York is wider than previously thought, covering sexual misconduct. He was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his role as a trade envoy.
A police spokesperson said: “We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.” It is unclear whether the Royal Ascot claim was reported at the time or more recently.
The investigation was triggered by documents released by the US Department of Justice, alleging Prince Andrew passed information to Jeffrey Epstein. The prince denies all wrongdoing. Police have appealed for witnesses with information about sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud or sharing of confidential information involving the Duke.
Thames Valley Police are also assessing a claim from a woman in the US that she was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. This is not yet a full criminal investigation.
