Police are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over an allegation that he behaved inappropriately towards a woman at Royal Ascot in 2002. The alleged incident reportedly occurred during the five-day racing event held in Berkshire as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Both the Queen and Prince Philip attended the festival that year, alongside other members of the royal family, including Mountbatten-Windsor, then the Duke of York.

Thames Valley Police, whose jurisdiction includes Ascot and the surrounding area, have confirmed that their ongoing inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor, initially focused on allegations of misconduct in public office, has expanded to cover a broader range of potential offences, including sexual misconduct and corruption. The investigation arises amid heightened scrutiny following the release of documents related to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Mountbatten-Windsor maintained ties.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on his 66th birthday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate and questioned under criminal caution on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his role as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. The former duke denies any wrongdoing, including allegations concerning his dealings with Epstein or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. Police have conducted searches of Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor and his current home on the Sandringham Estate, seizing material that officers are reviewing carefully.

It remains unclear whether the alleged inappropriate behavior at Royal Ascot was reported to authorities contemporaneously or surfaced more recently. Thames Valley Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information about alleged sexual misconduct, corruption, fraud, or unauthorized sharing of confidential information to come forward, emphasising that their investigation encompasses a range of offences under misconduct in public office. This charge can include sexual misconduct, wilful neglect of duty, and dishonest actions.

Detectives investigating the matter are also reviewing evidence relating to Mountbatten-Windsor’s decade-long tenure as a government trade envoy, during which time he had access to senior ministers, officials, and business contacts worldwide. Police are aware of claims that he provided Epstein with sensitive information about official trips to several Asian countries in 2010, allegations drawn from Epstein-related documents. Efforts to obtain original files from US authorities have been complicated by procedural delays, with British forces relying on printouts and awaiting formal requests for assistance.

The inquiry is being conducted with significant resources, reportedly at a level comparable to a major serious crime investigation, and includes reaching out to key witnesses such as former Cabinet ministers, royal officials, and senior civil servants. Three UK police forces are examining various related matters arising from the Epstein documents, while mounting challenges include clarifying legal aspects of Mountbatten-Windsor’s trade envoy role and securing complete documentation.

Mountbatten-Windsor has not publicly addressed the allegations related to Royal Ascot, and the police have refrained from disclosing case specifics, stating they are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.