Probe into allegation of inappropriate behavior by former Prince Andrew at Ascot
According to The Sunday Times, the alleged incident took place at the Berkshire racing fixture in 2002.
A fresh allegation has emerged in the UK police investigation involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with officers reportedly examining a claim that he acted inappropriately toward a woman at Royal Ascot.
According to The Sunday Times, the alleged incident took place at the Berkshire racing fixture in 2002.
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Royal Ascot has long been one of the royal family’s signature summer events, and Queen Elizabeth II attended the 2002 meeting during the year of her Golden Jubilee.
The Sunday Times reported that it remains unclear whether the allegation of Andrew’s alleged inappropriate behaviour was first brought to police at the time or only surfaced more recently.
Thames Valley Police, the force responsible for Windsor and Ascot in Berkshire, is pressing ahead with its investigation into the former duke, and on Friday it was confirmed that allegations of sexual misconduct will be considered as part of its wider inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
Detectives at TVP are said to be concerned that the public may think their focus is limited to accusations that Andrew passed on information during his time as a trade envoy, when in fact the scope of the offence being examined is legally far wider.
The former prince was the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, stepping down amid controversy surrounding his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
He has denied any wrongdoing in connection with his links to the convicted sex offender.
TVP’s major investigation is expected to take considerable time and is likely to encounter hurdles, including the challenge of establishing whether Andrew held a public office when the alleged conduct took place, an issue that is not clearly defined in law.
Even so, it is understood that if investigators conclude that was not the case, the force would still pursue any evidence relating to other, separate offences.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February and was interviewed under caution before being released under investigation.
Officers also searched his former properties in Windsor and Norfolk.
Detectives are understood to be reviewing material recovered during those searches.
They have also submitted a formal request to the United States Department of Justice seeking the original versions of the Epstein files, but no information has yet been handed over.
