DETECTIVES investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will consider allegations of sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed today.

Officers are currently assessing a claim by a woman that she was sent by paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein to Royal Lodge for sex with the royal in 2010, before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace. 

Detectives have contacted her lawyer, Brad Edwards, who spoke to the BBC about allegations said to have occurred when she was in her twenties.

Thames Valley Police said it had 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.”

The legal definition of misconduct in public office covers a wide range of actions, including sexual misconduct, financial misconduct, corruption, conflict of interest and dishonesty. 

The offence also covers sharing confidential financial information, wilful neglect of duty, perverting the course of justice and misconduct leading to personal gain

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said it “can take different forms, making this a complex investigation.”

“I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation,” he said. 

“We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate.”

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19 and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation. 

Searches were carried out at his former homes in Windsor and Norfolk, and detectives are working through evidence recovered during the operation.

The investigation is expected to be lengthy, with officers needing to establish whether he held public office at the time of the allegations, something that is not clearly legally defined. 

Detectives have made a formal request to the US Department of Justice for the original Epstein files but have not yet received any information.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, stepping down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.

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