Police Review 2002 Royal Ascot Claim
Prince Andrew is reportedly facing renewed scrutiny after a fresh claim linked to Royal Ascot in 2002 was raised as part of a wider police assessment. The Duke of York, who is no longer a working royal, is said to be among the subjects of inquiries examining whether any offences may have been committed over a range of alleged conduct.
Fox News reported that Thames Valley Police are “examining events in 2002” as they consider “wider possible crimes” by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including alleged sexual misconduct, corruption and fraud, citing The Sunday Times.
The report said the alleged incident took place during the racing festival at Royal Ascot, which it noted was attended that year by Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Prince Edward and Princess Beatrice. Fox News also said representatives for Prince Andrew and Thames Valley Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and that Buckingham Palace has previously said it does not speak on his behalf because he is not a working member of the Royal Family.
The latest claims come after a separate line of inquiry in which an Epstein accuser alleged the palace sat on evidence about Prince Andrew, as investigations continue to examine allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
In its report, Fox News quoted commentators including Ms Hilary Fordwich and royal broadcaster Mr Ian Pelham Turner, who said more stories about Andrew’s behaviour could yet emerge. Police previously said a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February 2026, interviewed under caution and released under investigation, with searches carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
