Overview
- Thames Valley Police said on May 27 that they have widened an investigation into former Prince Andrew over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour at Royal Ascot in 2002.
- A police spokesperson said the force is following all reasonable lines of inquiry and will consider allegations of sexual misconduct as part of a probe into potential misconduct in public office.
- Reports say it is unclear whether the alleged incident was reported to police at the time or has been flagged more recently, leaving gaps in the factual record as the inquiry continues.
- Royal commentators and unnamed insiders have suggested Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are weighing whether to skip their cousin Peter Phillips' June 6 wedding to avoid drawing attention, but no attendance decisions are confirmed.
- The development comes against a backdrop of earlier controversies involving Andrew and separate regulatory scrutiny of other family charities, which together raise fresh reputational and event-management challenges for the royal household.