The former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is under investigation by Thames Valley police for alleged misconduct in public office. This investigation involves the king's brother and could have far-reaching implications.

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's alleged to have passed information to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to claims arising from the documents released by the US Department of Justice.

The investigation is complex and involves a range of potential offences, including sexual misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, perverting the course of justice, and dishonest or fraudulent conduct. Assistant chief constable Oliver Wright said:

"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. They're doing this to ensure they don't miss any crucial details.

Detectives are working hard to gather evidence and follow every lead. They're also seeking documents and witnesses about what was expected from the trade envoy role in terms of behaviour and ethics. This will help them understand what Mountbatten-Windsor's responsibilities were.

The investigation isn't just about Mountbatten-Windsor - it could also involve other high-profile figures. The Metropolitan police are investigating Peter Mandelson for misconduct in public office, and Surrey police are investigating claims of historic child sexual abuse arising from the Epstein files. These investigations are separate, but they're all connected to the Epstein case.

The investigation isn't without its challenges. Police haven't yet been contacted by witnesses they believe may be out there, and they're concerned that people who may have information about criminal offences wrongly think detectives are interested in only one narrow aspect. Wright said:

"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."

It's understood that information has already been or will be obtained from the royal household and government departments, such as those involved in the former prince's appointment as a trade envoy. This information will be crucial to the investigation.

The investigation is expected to be long, with no criminal trial until 2027 if it were to produce evidence to support criminal charges. Three British forces are conducting full criminal investigations triggered by other revelations in the Epstein files, with several others assessing claims about flights linked to the disgraced financier entering the UK. This means that the investigation will take time, and it won't be resolved quickly.

One key aspect for police is obtaining evidence proving that the former prince's role as a trade envoy is covered by misconduct in public office rules. Police have held early discussions with lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorises criminal charges in England and Wales. They're working together to understand the rules and how they apply to Mountbatten-Windsor's case.

  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation for misconduct in public office
  • The investigation involves alleged misconduct related to his role as a British trade envoy
  • He's alleged to have passed information to Jeffrey Epstein
  • The investigation could involve other high-profile figures
  • Police are seeking documents and witnesses about the trade envoy role

The former prince denies all wrongdoing. Yet, the investigation is a significant development, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications. The police are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of inquiry, wherever they may lead. They won't stop until they've followed every lead and gathered all the evidence they need. The investigation will continue, and it's likely to take a long time to complete.