The woman at the centre of allegations involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Ascot was working as a waitress at the famous racing festival when the alleged incident took place, it has emerged.
The claim, dating back almost a quarter of a century, is now being examined by detectives as part of a much wider investigation into Andrew over alleged misconduct in public office.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred during Royal Ascot in June 2002, when Queen Elizabeth attended the prestigious Berkshire racing festival as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.
At the time, Andrew was a prominent member of the Royal Family and was photographed attending the meeting alongside his brothers, the future King and Prince Edward.
It was revealed last week that police were investigating claims that Andrew allegedly behaved inappropriately towards a woman during the event.
The woman is understood to have been working as a temporary waitress hired for the festival, which employs hundreds of additional hospitality staff each year to cater for guests in the royal enclosure and exclusive hospitality areas.
It remains unclear whether the allegation was ever formally reported at the time. Sources suggest racecourse management may not have been informed of the alleged incident in 2002.
The Duke of York, as he was then known, attending Royal Ascot in 2002
The development comes as Thames Valley Police continue an increasingly wide-ranging investigation into Andrew following his arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The 66-year-old was held for 11 hours before being released under investigation.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Originally focused on his decade-long role as Britain’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, the investigation has since expanded significantly.
Detectives are examining allegations linked to his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and are also considering whether other offences may have been committed.
Earlier this month, police disclosed that their inquiry was assessing a broader range of potential offences than previously understood, including allegations relating to sexual misconduct and corruption.
Senior officers have indicated that any fresh evidence uncovered could either be incorporated into the existing misconduct investigation or pursued separately.
Asked about the alleged Royal Ascot incident, a Thames Valley spokeswoman said: ‘We cannot go into specifics of our ongoing investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry.’
The force has previously confirmed that specialist investigators, including officers experienced in serious sexual offence investigations and financial crime experts, are working on the case.
Detectives have also searched Andrew’s former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor and his current home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where material was seized for examination.
The inquiry has already reached senior figures connected to Andrew’s former public roles.
Former Business Secretary Vince Cable has confirmed that police contacted him regarding the wider investigation and requested a witness statement.
The royal, pictured with his brother, the Prince of Wales, at the Berkshire racecourse
Meanwhile, fresh questions have emerged over claims that emails allegedly showing Andrew sharing confidential government information with a business associate were passed to Buckingham Palace several years ago.
The documents reportedly formed part of a High Court dispute involving businessman Jonathan Rowland and were allegedly forwarded to the lord chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, in 2020.
The King has previously indicated that he would fully cooperate with any police investigation involving his brother.
Buckingham Palace said: ‘Since there is an ongoing police inquiry concerning Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, it is not possible to provide any comment on these matters.’
Ascot Racecourse declined to comment publicly on the allegations, although sources indicated the organisation would cooperate with any police requests for assistance.
Royal Ascot has long been one of the most prestigious events in the British social and sporting calendar.
Andrew was a regular attendee for many years and famously hosted Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in the royal enclosure in 2000.
His last appearance at the event came in 2019, shortly before he stepped back from public duties following his controversial BBC Newsnight interview.
Police have stressed that their investigation remains ongoing and could take many months before detectives decide whether to submit evidence to prosecutors.
