Thames Valley Police is conducting a preliminary assessment of the evidence and consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the possible prosecution of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York and brother of King Charles III.
The investigation was prompted by new documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, released by the US Department of Justice. They contain evidence that, while Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment (2001–2011), he allegedly passed confidential government reports, commercial information, and other materials obtained through official activities to Epstein.
Police officially confirmed that they are “assessing allegations of misconduct in public office.” This is a serious crime under British law, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if particularly serious circumstances are established.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement in which King Charles III expressed “deep concern” at the new allegations against his brother and reaffirmed his readiness to provide police with any assistance required. In official palace statements, Andrew has long been referred to simply as “Mr. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” emphasizing his status as a private citizen.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor himself has consistently and categorically denied any wrongdoing. His representatives have not yet provided detailed comments on the ongoing police investigation.
The situation surrounding Andrew remains one of the most painful for the modern British monarchy after he was stripped of all military titles, royal patronages and the title of His Royal Highness between 2022 and 2025 amid previous allegations related to Epstein.