Prince Andrew investigation widened as police assess 2010 Windsor allegation
Police in Berkshire continue probe into Prince Andrew after reports that a woman was taken to a Windsor address in 2010; force urges witnesses to come forward.
Opening summary
Thames Valley Police said on Friday that the investigation into Prince Andrew is ongoing and that officers are assessing reports a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes, a development that expands the force’s inquiry into alleged misconduct linked to the former royal’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Details of the Windsor allegation under review
Police confirmed the 2010 allegation forms part of a broader assessment and that they have engaged with the woman’s legal representative to ensure any formal report would be treated “with care, sensitivity and respect” and protected by the U.K. lifelong anonymity provisions for complainants. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Thames Valley Police said the assessment is ongoing and that its investigators will pursue relevant lines of inquiry as they arise. The force has urged anyone with information linked to the allegation to contact officers. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Arrest and the misconduct in public office inquiry
The force reiterated that its separate investigation into alleged misconduct in public office remains active after the former prince was arrested and questioned under caution on February 19, 2026, in relation to his role as a U.K. trade envoy. He was released under investigation pending further inquiries. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Thames Valley Police said searches had been carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk during the February operation and described the probe as complex because misconduct in public office can take multiple forms. The force has acknowledged the unusual constitutional and public interest dimensions of the inquiry. (theguardian.com)
Links to Jeffrey Epstein and related documents
The expansion of the inquiry follows the release of documents tied to the former trade envoy appointment and previously reported material suggesting Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade-related correspondence with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein around 2010 and 2011. Those disclosures prompted the initial assessment that led to a full criminal investigation. (apnews.com)
Prosecutors and investigators are examining whether any official information was improperly passed to third parties while the former prince held a government role promoting UK trade overseas. Officials have said such exchanges, if proven to be unauthorised, could amount to criminal misconduct. (time.com)
Victim contact and anonymity protections
Thames Valley Police said it has been proactive in contacting and offering support to people identified in material linked to the “Epstein Files” and is coordinating with other forces on a national policing response to ensure victims and survivors are engaged respectfully. The force emphasised the lifelong anonymity available to complainants under U.K. law. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
The police statement indicated they had made contact with the legal representative of the woman whose 2010 claim is being assessed, and stressed that any decision to make a formal complaint will be handled sensitively and confidentially. This outreach forms part of a wider effort to identify witnesses and corroborating evidence. (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Reference to long-standing allegations and a prominent accuser
The inquiry is occurring against the backdrop of previously public allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who in earlier proceedings had accused Jeffrey Epstein and associates of trafficking her to have sexual encounters with, among others, senior figures. Ms. Giuffre publicly alleged she was trafficked to London in 2001 and named the former royal in those claims; he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. (en.wikipedia.org)
Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, a development reported by multiple outlets that has complicated the public record and the ability to test all earlier allegations in current criminal proceedings. Authorities have noted the sensitivity around dealing with historic allegations when potential witnesses are deceased. (cnbc.com)
International cooperation and next steps
Thames Valley Police said it is working with the U.S. Department of Justice and other international partners as part of the investigation, reflecting the transnational nature of material and witnesses connected to the Epstein network. The force also highlighted coordination with other U.K. police services as it pursues a national policing response to the “Epstein Files.” (thamesvalley.police.uk)
Investigators have reiterated an appeal for witnesses and for anyone with relevant information to come forward, stressing that new evidence or testimony could be crucial as the force continues to assess both the misconduct in public office allegations and the reported 2010 Windsor incident. (theguardian.com)
The former prince has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will consider the evidence gathered by Thames Valley Police before determining whether charges can be brought under the applicable offenses.
