Former Prince Andrew under investigation for alleged inappropriate conduct with woman at Royal Ascot
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince stripped of his royal titles, is facing a fresh investigation by Thames Valley Police into alleged inappropriate conduct with a woman at the Royal Ascot racing festival in 2002.
According to The Sunday Times, police are examining events at the prestigious horse racing event as part of a broader inquiry that includes possible sexual misconduct, corruption and fraud. The alleged victim, a woman who was reportedly employed at the festival, is said to have been the target of inappropriate behavior during an event attended by members of the royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prince Charles (now King Charles III), Prince Edward, and Andrew's eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice.
Representatives for Andrew and Thames Valley Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Buckingham Palace has previously stated it does not comment on Andrew's affairs, as he is no longer a working member of the royal family.
The Ascot allegation follows Andrew's arrest on February 19, 2026—his birthday—by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was interviewed under caution and released under investigation the same day, with authorities searching two addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk in connection with the inquiry.
That earlier investigation centers on allegations that Jeffrey Epstein sent a woman to have sex with Andrew at a royal residence in Windsor in 2010. Police have been coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice and the UK's Crown Prosecution Service, and have been interviewing witnesses, though they have not confirmed or denied the identities of those involved.
Andrew has been engulfed in public scrutiny for years due to his documented ties to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019.
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said the royal family is bracing for further damaging disclosures about the former prince. "The debauchery and disgusting behavior of Andrew was known, as more who felt constrained by protocol are now talking, there will be more, such as Ascot, close to where Queen Elizabeth II was at the time," Fordwich said.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that "many more stories" about Andrew's conduct are likely to emerge. "Allegedly, the woman in question was a waitress at the event," Pelham Turner said. "Very few details have been released at the moment as there is a further police investigation now happening. Andrew has a long record of rudeness to staff, shouting and swearing at them and going against strict protocol rules over security."
Pelham Turner described Royal Ascot as one of the most cherished events on the royal calendar, particularly for Queen Elizabeth II, who delighted in watching horses from her own stables compete. "There have been growing rumors that many more stories are surfacing regarding misdeeds by Andrew and a growing public dislike for the former prince," he said.
In the wake of Andrew's February arrest, King Charles III issued a statement through Buckingham Palace expressing support for the legal process. "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation," the king said. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
The latest investigation adds to what is now an increasingly complex legal situation for the former prince, who lost his royal titles, military honors and patronages amid the fallout from his association with Epstein.
