The police investigation into Britain's former prince Andrew will be long and complex, senior officers said, after his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that can include sexual impropriety.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was interviewed under caution for hours by detectives after he was arrested at his home in Norfolk in February following the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice relating to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and said he regrets their friendship. He has made no public statement since his arrest.
Police are assessing reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes after a lawyer for the alleged victim told the BBC she had been sent to Britain by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the former prince.
Detectives have spoken to the lawyer but the woman involved has not yet reported the offence.
"In terms of Epstein victims and survivors, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward and I really want to stress that our door is open whenever a victim survivor is ready to engage with us. We're ready for you at whatever point that may be," Assistant Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police Oliver Wright said.
The focus of the inquiry is the former prince's role as special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011, with emails released by the DOJ suggesting he had shared sensitive information with Epstein.
However, misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, can relate to any serious wrongdoing - from sharing confidential information to corruption and sexual misconduct.
"The investigation is by necessity hugely thorough and will take time,", Mr Wright told reporters. "It's not going to be a quick investigation by any means."
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.
The police investigation will face obstacles including trying to prove whether Mr Mountbatten-Windsor held a public office at the time of the allegations, something that is not clearly legally defined.
However it is understood that if this were found not to be the case, the force would continue investigating any evidence of other, separate offences.
A team of experienced investigators is working on the case and is in constant contact with prosecutors for advice.
Detectives have made a formal request to the United States Department of Justice for the original versions of the Epstein files, but have not yet received any information.
Additional reporting PA
