Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are urging potential witnesses to come forward with information about alleged sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud, or the sharing of confidential information involving the King's brother. Thames Valley Police (TVP) have emphasized that their investigation is unprecedented in scope and is being conducted rigorously.
Investigation Details
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested and questioned under criminal caution in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his role as a British trade envoy. He is alleged to have passed information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice. The former prince denies all wrongdoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that TVP is already working through a significant amount of information from various witnesses. However, the force is concerned that individuals with relevant information may believe detectives are only interested in the alleged passing of confidential information. Police stress that misconduct in public office (MIPO) covers a range of offences, including sexual misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, perverting the course of justice, and dishonest or fraudulent conduct.
Appeal for Witnesses
Wright said: "Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation. Our team of experienced detectives are working meticulously through a significant amount of information from the public and other sources. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of inquiry."
Police encourage anyone with information to contact them through the TVP online portal. It is understood that information has been or will be obtained from the royal household and government departments involved in the former prince's appointment as a trade envoy. Detectives are expected to seek documents and witnesses regarding expected behaviour and ethics for the role.
Further Investigations
TVP is also expected to seek information from the Metropolitan Police, which twice assessed claims against the King's brother and declined to investigate. The Met provided armed bodyguards while he was a working royal, a status he lost amid the Epstein scandal.
The TVP investigation includes detectives with expertise in sexual offences. The force is still assessing a claim from a woman who alleges she was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. This is not yet a full criminal investigation. The woman lives in the US, and detectives have contacted her through her lawyer.
Wright said: "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 anonymity."
The investigation is expected to be lengthy, with no criminal trial anticipated before 2027 if charges are brought. Three British police forces are conducting full criminal investigations triggered by revelations in the Epstein files, with several others assessing claims about flights linked to Epstein entering the UK.
Police investigating Mountbatten-Windsor believe obtaining the original Epstein documents is crucial. Currently, they have only printouts from the DoJ website. US authorities have declined to hand over the original documents and have instructed British police to submit a formal international legal request, which could take months.
In addition to the TVP investigation, the Met is investigating Peter Mandelson for misconduct in public office, and Surrey police recently announced an investigation into historic child sexual abuse arising from the Epstein files. After Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, police searched his Norfolk home and the Windsor estate where he lived for decades. Seized materials are still being examined.
A key aspect for police is obtaining evidence that the former prince's role as a trade envoy falls under MIPO rules. Police have held early discussions with lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorises criminal charges in England and Wales. TVP have not officially named Mountbatten-Windsor as the man arrested in February.
