Former prince Andrew’s police investigation now assessing ‘sexual’ claims

The British royal family is facing a fresh wave of scandal, with the police investigation into former prince Andrew now assessing “sexual” allegations.

The official update from the Thames Valley Police came on Friday, as the disgraced royal remains under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office.

In February, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations he had passed confidential documents to late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke — who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011 — sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with Epstein.

At the time, King Charles released a statement revealing his “deepest concern” over his younger brother’s arrest.

Following the arrest and search activity, Andrew was interviewed under caution and released under investigation on the same day.

British police have since been working with the US Department of Justice to gather further information related to the case.

The Thames Valley Police said in its release: “In addition to the investigation into misconduct in public office, the assessment of reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes is ongoing.”

Andrew has strenuously denied any wrongdoing in relation to all the allegations made against him.

“Our misconduct in public office investigation is continuing. Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said.

“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.

“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead.”

In the UK, misconduct in public office involves a serious abuse or neglect of the powers and responsibilities linked to a public role.

The offence can include abusing public trust for personal, financial or malicious reasons, and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment depending on the circumstances of the case.