Virginia Giuffre's family have said they are "hopeful" after Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing possible sexual offences as part of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct in public office.
Specialist officers from Thames Valley Police are speaking to several witnesses and assessing several alleged offences linked with misconduct in public office relating to Andrew’s period as UK trade envoy.
The former Duke of York, 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid allegations that he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein.
He was released later the same day under investigation and has always strongly rejected allegations of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. He has also denied any personal gain from his trade role.
One victim, an unnamed woman in her 20s, is said to have spent a night at Royal Lodge with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
Allegations had previously been reported, via an attorney in the US, that the woman was taken to Windsor for sexual purposes and then had been taken elsewhere.
The BBC had reported that the woman was sent to Britain by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
Specialist detectives have told the woman's attorney, who also represented Ms Giuffre, they will speak to her if and when she feels ready.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month on the morning of his 66th birthday | REUTERSMs Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025. She became one of the most outspoken Epstein victims, and published an award-winning book detailing her encounters with the late sex offender and his former, girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.
Amanda Roberts, Ms Giuffre's sister-in-law, told Sky News on Friday that they remain "hopeful" following this morning's latest development.
"I think initially it's very encouraging," she told the outlet.
"You know, initially it was only we were hearing that it was going to be investigations of conduct, like sharing government information.
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Sky and Amanda Roberts said they are 'hopeful' after Thames Valley Police announced their investigation on Andrew's sexual conduct
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Virginia Giuffre's died by suicide in April 2025
| REUTERS"And to hear that the potential of investigating sexual crimes, that is huge.
"It is more than what we are seeing here in this country and it actually gives us hope.
"And Virginia paved the way for that. If it wasn't for her courage and her bravery and being persistent in her truth, you know, we wouldn't be here and we are so thankful for the police to really be taking this seriously.
"And it was good news for us today, so I think we're very hopeful."
GB News understands several lines of inquiry could be prosecuted as standalone offences, or as part of the misconduct probe if it meets the evidential threshold.
Officers are currently speaking to several witnesses, but are keen to speak to anyone who might have information about the full breadth of possible misconduct in public office.
Ms Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, said this demonstrates a "stark" difference from the authorities in the US.
"It is a stark difference between what's happening here in with Department of Justice and the FBI."
He added that "we really hope this is a step in the right direction, and I encourage the Thames Valley Police - we are cheering you on".
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