British police have said they are assessing a complaint that former Prince Andrew allegedly passed confidential commercial information to Jeffrey Epstein. The case is at a preliminary stage and, it is understood that no formal criminal investigation has been opened, but the content and reliability of the evidence brought to the attention of the authorities is being examined.

The allegation brings to the fore Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, which has caused intense political and institutional embarrassment in recent years in the UK. According to the reports, the material under review involves possible sharing of data that could be considered sensitive or non-public, though it is not specified whether it relates to government agreements or private business activities.

Sources from the authorities point out that the process is currently limited to evaluating information and not to finding an offence. The former Prince Andrew has previously denied any illegal activity in relation to Epstein, and the Palace has not commented on the latest developments.

The case adds to a long chain of issues that continue to cloud Andrew’s public image and cause political pressure on the British monarchy at a time when the Palace is attempting to contain the institutional and communications fallout from past cases.