Nicolai Haugsted
Officers are widening their investigation.
British police investigating Prince Andrew are now examining allegations linked to possible sexual offences as part of a growing misconduct probe tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Detectives from Thames Valley Police confirmed Friday that the investigation has expanded beyond its original scope and now includes several lines of inquiry connected to alleged misconduct in public office, possible corruption and sexual wrongdoing.
Pressure surrounding the case has intensified following the release of new material connected to Epstein.
Investigators comb through Royal Lodge evidence
Police teams are currently reviewing material seized during searches of Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s former 30-room residence in Windsor.
Specialist officers dealing with sexual offences are reportedly involved in the investigation as authorities continue working through evidence and public tips.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright described the case as highly complex.
“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,” Wright said.
“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.”
Police also appealed directly for additional witnesses and information.
“We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us through the normal non-urgent contact channels,” Wright added.
Sexual offence allegations under review
Part of the inquiry reportedly focuses on allegations that a woman was taken to Royal Lodge in 2010 for sexual purposes.
According to police, officers have informed the woman’s legal representatives that any report made to authorities would be handled carefully.
“It will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity,” the force stated.
“We recognise how difficult it can be to speak about experiences of this nature.”
Lawyer Brad Edwards previously claimed at least one woman had allegedly been sent to Prince Andrew by Jeffrey Epstein.
“We’re talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein over to Prince Andrew,” Edwards said.
Epstein files driving new inquiries
Investigation gained momentum after the publication of redacted Epstein-related files in the United States.
British police are now coordinating with national authorities and victim support teams while reviewing allegations tied to Epstein and his associates.
Prince Andrew was arrested earlier this year on his 66th birthday and later questioned for roughly 11 hours before being released under investigation.
Original accusations centered around claims that he passed commercially sensitive information to Epstein during his years serving as the UK’s special trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Emails reportedly released in the Epstein files allegedly show Andrew sharing reports from overseas visits and discussing investment opportunities.
Trade envoys are expected to keep commercially and politically sensitive information confidential under official rules.
Prince Andrew continues denying wrongdoing
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations against him.
Case also revives scrutiny surrounding claims made by the late Virginia Giuffre, who publicly accused Andrew in 2014 of being forced into sexual encounters through Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell while she was a teenager.
Andrew denied those accusations before later settling Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in the United States.
Giuffre died last year.
Investigation could continue for months
Because Prince Andrew was released under investigation rather than formally charged, prosecutors face no deadline for deciding whether charges will eventually be brought.
British authorities say the inquiry is expected to continue for many months as detectives review evidence, witness statements and information linked to the wider Epstein network.
Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in Britain depending on the severity of the case.
