Thames Valley Police are assessing a complaint over claims that Prince Andrew, Duke of York shared confidential material from his time as the UK’s trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein.
The complaint was submitted by the anti-monarchist group Republic after the release of emails by the US government appeared to show Andrew forwarding reports of official visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam, as well as sensitive details about potential investment projects.
Under government guidance, trade envoys are required to maintain confidentiality over commercial, political and security-related information obtained during official duties.
Emails dated November and December 2010 reportedly show Andrew forwarding briefings shortly after receiving them from advisers, including material relating to reconstruction and investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
The allegations relate to Andrew’s time as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, a role in which he represented British commercial interests overseas.
Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said he had reported Andrew to Thames Valley Police for suspected misconduct in public office and possible breaches of official secrecy.
In a statement, the force said it was “assessing the information in line with our established procedures”.
Smith said the allegations were comparable to recent controversies involving other public figures and questioned whether inaction by authorities was sustainable.
Andrew has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
Legal experts note that, unlike the monarch, senior members of the Royal Family do not have sovereign immunity and can, in principle, face criminal investigation.