Major development as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigated by police for ‘sex offences’

Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will consider allegations of sexual misconduct in their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.

From 2001 to 2011, Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment before stepping down over his controversial friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Misconduct in public office includes a wide range of conduct, such as sharing confidential financial information, financial misconduct, wilful neglect of duty and sexual misconduct.

It also covers corruption and improper interference, conflict of interest, perverting the course of justice, dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, misconduct leading to personal gain.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February and was released under investigation (MEGA/GC Images)

“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 inquiry, wherever they may lead.

“We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us through the normal non-urgent contact channels, such as the Thames Valley Police online portal.

“I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate.”

The King said 'the law must take its course' (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender.

TVP’s investigation will take some time, and faces obstacles including trying to prove whether Andrew held a public office at the time of the allegations, something that is not clearly legally defined.

However, it is understood that if this were found not to be the case, the force would continue investigating any evidence of other, separate offences.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein (Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)

Officers are also assessing a claim by a woman who said she was sent by Epstein to Royal Lodge for sex with Andrew in 2010, before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace.

They have contacted the woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards, who told the BBC that the allegations took place when she was in her 20s.

The force said: “We have engaged with the woman’s legal representative to confirm that, should she wish to report this to police, it will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity.

“We recognise how difficult it can be to speak about experiences of this nature, and any contact with police will be led by her wishes, when and if she feels ready and able to do so.”

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February and was released under investigation.