Police investigating allegations of misconduct in public office involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, have issued an appeal urging a woman who claims she was sent to the United Kingdom by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter to come forward and assist investigators.

According to Oliver Wright, the Assistant Chief Constable for Crime and Criminal Justice at Thames Valley Police, the “door is always open” to victims and witnesses linked to Epstein, as they continue to examine a widening body of material connected to the long-running investigation.

“In terms of Epstein victims and survivors, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward, and I really want to stress that our door is open. Whenever a victim survivor is ready to engage with us, we’re ready for you, whenever that point may be.”
Oliver Wright

Officers confirmed that they are actively assessing multiple lines of inquiry, including allegations of sexual misconduct linked to the former royal.

The investigation, which centres on alleged misconduct in public office, has already seen Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested in February on suspicion of wrongdoing. While the primary focus of the case relates to alleged abuse of public office, authorities have confirmed that wider allegations of sexual misconduct form part of the evidential scope being examined.

Police have made renewed contact efforts following reports that a woman, who is not British, was allegedly brought to the UK in 2010 for an encounter with the then Duke of York at Royal Lodge.

Investigators have reached out through her legal representatives and are also working with international partners, including the United States Department of Justice, to obtain documents released as part of the so-called Epstein files.

Officials indicated that, the investigation is being treated as a complex and high-priority case, with a dedicated team of experienced detectives assigned to handle the volume and sensitivity of material being reviewed.

The resources deployed are comparable to those used in major crime investigations, including serious violent offences, and include officers specialising in sexual offences and public corruption.

Authorities have also acknowledged that the global attention surrounding the case, combined with its sensitive subject matter and historical nature, may discourage potential witnesses from coming forward. However, they stressed that all individuals with relevant information are encouraged to engage with investigators at any stage.

Investigation Deepens Into Epstein Links

Moreover, the woman at the centre of the latest appeal is alleged to have been part of a wider network of Epstein-linked victims who may have had contact with high-profile individuals during the period under investigation.

Her lawyer has previously indicated that at least one woman was sent by Epstein to meet the Former Prince in the United Kingdom, although the details remain subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Investigators are also reviewing whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former role as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment constitutes “public office” under legal definitions relevant to misconduct in public office charges. He held that position from 2001 until stepping down in 2011, a role which granted him access to senior political, diplomatic and business figures internationally.

According to Legal experts, misconduct in public office is a broad offence covering serious abuses of authority or trust connected to official duties. It can encompass a range of conduct, including sexual misconduct, corruption, financial impropriety and obstruction of justice, provided there is a demonstrable link between the behaviour and the responsibilities of public office.

Also, the Crown Prosecution Service has previously stated that there is no single fixed definition of public office, and that each case must be assessed on its own merits. This has become a key consideration in the ongoing investigation, as police seek to establish whether the former Prince’s previous diplomatic and trade-related roles fall within the legal threshold.

Thames Valley Police are working closely with the National Crime Agency and the National Police Chiefs’ Council as they continue to gather and assess evidence. Officials have emphasised that cooperation between domestic and international agencies is essential due to the cross-border nature of the allegations and the involvement of figures linked to Epstein’s network.

Moreover, in February, police confirmed they were assessing claims first reported by a media outlet that a woman had been sent to the UK by Epstein in 2010 for a sexual encounter with the then-Prince Andrew, who was in his twenties at the time. That allegation has since become part of a broader evidential review.

Further scrutiny has also been placed on the former royal’s previous professional role, with investigators examining whether any communications or interactions during his time as trade envoy could be relevant to the case. Reports have suggested that documents released from Epstein-related material may contain references requiring further analysis by law enforcement.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations made against him and has not been charged with any offence.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police stating that they are committed to pursuing all reasonable lines of inquiry as they continue to review evidence gathered from multiple jurisdictions.