Former Duke of York Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, is facing renewed scrutiny after Thames Valley Police began examining allegations he behaved inappropriately toward a woman during Royal Ascot in 2002, with detectives also looking into a broader range of cla
For years, Royal Ascot has been a stage for tradition. In 2002, it was also the backdrop for a new set of allegations now landing back in the hands of police.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. the former Duke of York. 66. is at the center of renewed scrutiny after Thames Valley Police began examining a claim that he behaved inappropriately toward a woman during Royal Ascot between June 18 and June 22. 2002. The then-Prince Andrew attended the annual horse racing festival alongside senior members of the royal family. including late mother Queen Elizabeth II. brother King Charles III and daughter Princess Beatrice.
Detectives have not disclosed what the allegation is in specific terms. nor whether it was reported at the time or only emerged more recently. A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said. “We cannot go into specifics of our ongoing investigation. but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.”.
Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The focus on the Royal Ascot claim comes amid a wider investigation that is said to extend beyond that single incident. Investigators are reported to be looking at accusations ranging from sexual misconduct to corruption and fraud connected to Andrew’s decade-long role as Britain’s special representative for trade and investment. a position he held between 2001 and 2011.
As part of the inquiry, detectives are understood to be interviewing former government cabinet ministers, royal aides and senior civil servants to gather evidence about Andrew’s activities during his years as trade envoy.
Police are also believed to have obtained access to files held by Scotland Yard related to Virginia Giuffre. one of Jeffrey Epstein’s best-known victims who accused Andrew of assaulting her when she was 17. Giuffre died in 2025. Her allegation included that one incident occurred in 2001 at Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell’s London home.
Andrew has repeatedly denied the allegations involving Giuffre. He settled her civil lawsuit in 2022 for a reported $16 million without admitting liability.
The Epstein-Maxwell connections have again come sharply into the spotlight. Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were once hosted by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the royal enclosure at Royal Ascot. The renewed investigation is reported to have been triggered after the U.S. Department of Justice released additional Epstein-related documents earlier this year. Some files suggested Andrew—who was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office—passed commercially sensitive trade information to Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on trafficking charges. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for her role in Epstein’s operation.
The investigation is also being framed around the possibility that more people may come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright described the inquiry as layered and urged potential victims or witnesses to contact police.
“Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation,” 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.”
Wright clarified that misconduct in public office may involve the sharing of confidential financial information. financial wrongdoing. willful neglect of duty or sexual misconduct. The offense can also include corruption. improper interference. conflicts of interest. perverting the course of justice. dishonest or fraudulent behavior and misconduct carried out for personal gain.
Among those drawn into the process, former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable confirmed he had been contacted by investigators and would cooperate fully with the inquiry.
Taken together. the new Royal Ascot allegation. the expanded probe into possible conduct during Andrew’s years as trade envoy. and the reopened trail linking Epstein and Maxwell to the royal enclosure keep widening the spotlight on the same question: what was known. when. and how far any misconduct may have reached.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Royal Ascot Thames Valley Police misconduct in public office Andrew denied wrongdoing Virginia Giuffre Jeffrey Epstein Ghislaine Maxwell Vince Cable Oliver Wright Scotland Yard files