Police are investigating claims that Prince Andrew behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot nearly 25 years ago. The alleged incident reportedly took place at the historic racecourse in Berkshire between June 18 and 22, 2002, during Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee year.
Background of the Investigation
Thames Valley Police have announced that a misconduct in public office probe into Andrew has been broadened to consider a wide range of possible offences, including sexual misconduct and corruption. This follows the release of files in the US concerning paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Police have seized material in a raid of Andrew's former home at Royal Lodge, Windsor, and his new property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which officers are now said to be 'carefully working through'.
Andrew's Arrest and Denials
He was arrested on his 66th birthday in February and released under investigation. The King's brother has not addressed the allegations but has always denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein or knowledge of his sex crimes.
The former Business Secretary, Sir Vince Cable, has confirmed he has been asked by police to give a witness statement regarding the broader allegations against Andrew. He said: 'I've been notified that I will be interviewed and I'm very happy to co-operate.'
The Ascot Incident and Ongoing Inquiries
It is not known whether the alleged Ascot incident was reported to police at the time or more recently, according to the Sunday Times. A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: 'We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of enquiry.'
Detectives have also made a formal request to the United States Department of Justice for the original versions of the Epstein files but have not yet received any information. Alongside the allegations from the files, they are assessing separate claims that Epstein sent a woman to the UK for sex with Andrew in 2010, mirroring accusations made by the late Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked to have sex with the former duke. Andrew has denied Ms Giuffre's claims or even having met her.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had assembled a dedicated team of its 'most experienced specialist investigators', including detectives experienced in investigating serious sexual attacks and financial experts. He confirmed they had spoken to a number of witnesses but hopes others will come forward to shed light on Andrew's relationship with the paedophile. He warned that the inquiry could take months before detectives are ready to submit a file of evidence to the CPS to consider.
