Prince Andrew Investigation Takes New Turn With Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The legal troubles surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor just got significantly more serious. Thames Valley Police announced on Friday, May 22 that their investigation has expanded beyond the original misconduct in public office charges to now include allegations that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes.

This represents a major escalation. When authorities first arrested the 66-year-old in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the focus was narrowly on whether he’d shared confidential information with the late billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein between 2001 and 2011. Now, police are actively examining allegations of direct sexual misconduct — a completely different category of crime with far graver implications.

Here’s what’s changed: Thames Valley Police confirmed they’ve reached out to the woman’s legal team and made clear that any decision to formally report the incident will be handled“with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity.”That language matters. It signals authorities are serious about encouraging a witness to come forward while removing barriers to reporting. The department is also working closely with the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service and the United States Department of Justice, examining“a number of aspects of alleged misconduct”referenced in the Epstein Files. Two of Andrew’s residences — one in Berkshire and one in Norfolk — have already been searched.

The broader context here is crucial. Andrew’s decades-long friendship with Epstein has cast a shadow over the royal family for years. Virginia Giuffre alleged she had an underage sexual encounter with Andrew, facilitated by Epstein and associates. Andrew settled her lawsuit outside of court in 2022, though he continued to deny wrongdoing. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41. Andrew has since been stripped of his prince and Duke of York titles.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the investigation’s complexity, noting that detectives are“working meticulously through a significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources.”He urged patience as the probe continues and encouraged anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police.

What makes this expansion so significant is timing and scope. Four years after Epstein’s death, authorities are still pursuing fresh leads tied to his network. For Andrew, the stakes have shifted from defending accusations of poor judgment to potentially facing charges involving direct harm. The outcome of this investigation will likely define his legacy far more than any title restoration ever could.