Thames Valley Police are investigating the former Duke of York over alleged misconduct in public office, with detectives set to consider allegations of sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry.
The legal definition of misconduct in public office can encompass a wide range of conduct, including sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and sexual misconduct. It also covers corruption, improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty, fraudulent conduct, and misconduct leading to personal gain.
Detectives at Thames Valley Police (TVP) are understood to be concerned that the public believes they are only focused on accusations that the former prince shared information while serving as a trade envoy. In reality, the legal terms of the offence under investigation are much broader.
Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his links to the convicted sex offender.
TVP’s major investigation is expected to be lengthy and will face obstacles, including proving whether Andrew held a public office at the time of the alleged offences—a point that is not clearly legally defined. However, it is understood that if this were found not to be the case, the force would continue investigating any evidence of other, separate offences.
A team of experienced investigators is working on the case and remains in constant contact with prosecutors for advice. Officers are currently assessing a claim by a woman that she was sent by Epstein to Royal Lodge for sex with Andrew in 2010, before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace. They have contacted the woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards, who initially spoke to the BBC about allegations said to have occurred when she was in her 20s.
The force 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. We recognise how difficult it can be to speak about experiences of this nature, and any contact with police will be led by her wishes, when and if she feels ready and able to do so.”
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19 and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation. Searches were also carried out at his former homes in Windsor and Norfolk.
Detectives are understood to be working through evidence recovered during the operation. They have also made a formal request to the United States Department of Justice for the original versions of the Epstein files, but have not yet received any information.
Thames Valley Police 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 inquiry, 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.”
