Thames Valley Police have dramatically expanded their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to encompass potential sexual offences and corruption, making an unprecedented public appeal for victim survivors to come forward — as officers reveal they have identified “multiple lines of inquiry” in what is now being described as a “significant investigation.”
Three months after the former Duke of York was arrested on his 66th birthday at his home on the Sandringham Estate, detectives have confirmed the probe has broadened well beyond its original focus on misconduct in public office. Senior officers are already seeking early advice from the Crown Prosecution Service and are formally liaising with the American Department of Justice to request access to evidence from the millions of documents released in the Epstein files.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, who is leading the investigation, said a dedicated team of the force’s “most experienced specialist investigators” had been assembled — including detectives experienced in serious sexual offences and financial crime experts. He confirmed officers had already spoken to a number of witnesses. “I really want to stress that our door is open,” Wright said. “Whenever a victim survivor is ready to engage with us, we’re ready for you at whatever point that may be. In terms of Epstein victims and survivors, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward.”
Substantial evidence was seized during raids on Andrew’s former home at Royal Lodge, Windsor, and his current property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which officers are now “carefully working through.” Detectives have also begun speaking to officials at the Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace, which has previously confirmed staff stand “ready to support” the investigation.
Among the most significant developments is police assessment of a separate allegation that Epstein sent a woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010 — an allegation that mirrors accusations previously made by the late Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked to have sex with the former duke. The Metropolitan Police, Essex Police and Surrey Police are also separately assessing claims, some relating to possible trafficking into or outside the UK for sexual exploitation under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Detectives have spoken to a lawyer representing the alleged second victim, though she has not yet made a formal complaint.
The expansion of the probe follows the publication of newly released government documents showing the late Queen was “very keen” for her son to take on a “prominent role in the promotion of national interests” as trade envoy. The 15-page file, released following pressure from MPs in the wake of the US Epstein document dump, also revealed Andrew had a preference for missions to “sophisticated countries” and should not be “burdened” with excessive meetings and paperwork. Emails in the Epstein files suggest he forwarded a confidential official briefing to Epstein just five minutes after receiving it in November 2010, and on Christmas Eve that same year allegedly shared a sensitive brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand, Afghanistan.
The legal bar for misconduct in public office is high, and a key question is whether Andrew can be considered a public officer given the informal nature of his trade envoy role. Wright warned that the investigation could take many more months before a file is submitted to the CPS for a charging decision, adding: “The investigation is by necessity hugely thorough, and will take time. We’re proceeding with real care and caution.”
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein or any knowledge of his crimes. Buckingham Palace has said it cannot comment while an active police inquiry is under way.
