Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigated over potential sex crimes

Friday, 22 May 2026 06:58

By Martin Brunt, crime commentator

Police are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over potential sex crimes, it is understood.

Detectives are keen to speak to a woman who claims she was taken to the former Prince Andrew's home in Windsor "for sexual purposes".

And they are appealing for other potential Epstein survivors to come forward in a complex and potentially expanding inquiry that's expected to last for many months.

Andrew remains under investigation and strongly denies any wrongdoing.

Police have already spoken to a range of witnesses since the suspect was arrested, on his 66th birthday, in a pre-dawn raid on his new Norfolk home three months ago.

Andrew, who acted as a UK government trade envoy, was interviewed on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an investigation prompted by the release in the US of the FBI's Jeffrey Epstein files in January.

The files appeared to show the King's brother passed on sensitive government documents and commercial information to his friend Epstein, a disgraced US financier who was jailed for procuring a girl under 18 for prostitution.

But a special squad of detectives at Thames Valley Police is concerned that Epstein victims may be put off coming forward because they think the police probe is limited.

A source said: "People mistakenly think we are looking at finance-based crime, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Misconduct in public office covers many others, including sex offences, fraud, corruption, perverting the course of justice and others.

"We have a much broader view. We are investigating all aspects and we will go where the evidence leads us."

Officers are assessing allegations that Epstein sent a non-British woman to the UK in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew, but have yet to interview her.

It's understood police are also waiting to get unredacted copies of the relevant Epstein files, something that would have a big positive impact on their investigation.

The offence of misconduct in public office is notoriously complicated and difficult to prove. So much so that it is due to be scrapped and replaced with something simpler.

And police are still discussing with the Crown Prosecution Service whether Andrew was a public officer under the terms of the statute.

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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 enquiry, 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."

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigated over potential sex crimes

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