Thames Valley Police are investigating an allegation that Prince Andrew behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot in 2002, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The alleged incident is said to have occurred during the annual five-day racing event in Berkshire, which was also attended by Queen Elizabeth II in the year of her Golden Jubilee.
The investigation into the Duke of York has widened beyond previously understood parameters. He was arrested on his 66th birthday in February and questioned under caution on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his role as a British trade envoy. A police spokesperson stated: “We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.”
It remains unclear whether the claim about the Royal Ascot incident was reported at the time or more recently. The investigation stems from documents released by the US Department of Justice linking Prince Andrew to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince denies all wrongdoing.
On Friday, Thames Valley Police issued a public appeal for witnesses, urging anyone with information about alleged sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud, or sharing of confidential information involving the King’s brother to come forward. The force is also assessing a separate claim from a woman who alleges she was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes, though this has not yet become a full criminal investigation.
The investigation faces challenges, including establishing whether Prince Andrew’s role as a trade envoy falls under misconduct in public office rules, and obtaining original Epstein documents from US authorities, who have asked for a formal international legal request.
