Police are continuing to investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office earlier this year.Detectives questioned the former prince in February after claims he shared confidential information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.Officers searched two properties linked to the former Duke of York – Royal Lodge in Berkshire and his current home of Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate – and interviewed Mr Mountbatten-Windsor under caution. He was later released under investigation.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains under police investigation (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) (PA Archive)On Friday, officers at Thames Valley Police (TVP) urged a woman who claims to have been sent to the UK by Epstein to have sex with the then Prince Andrew to come forward and speak to investigators.The force is understood to be considering sexual misconduct allegations among the “many forms” a misconduct in a public office (MIPO) investigation can take.A source said the investigation is taking a “broad view” and that “all aspects” of the offence will be considered.What is misconduct in a public office?MIPO is a criminal offence that concerns serious wilful abuse, or neglect, of the power or responsibilities pertaining to the public office held. These can include corruption, perversion of the course of justice, financial misconduct, and sexual misconduct. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Archive)Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of MIPO following reports he allegedly leaked sensitive financial information obtained while acting as a UK trade envoy to Epstein.But police have since made it clear their investigation will include all aspects of MIPO according to the evidence they receive.A source said police fear that people believe their investigation is focused solely on possible financial criminality, but this “couldn't be further from the truth”."Misconduct in public office covers many others, including sex offences, fraud, corruption, perverting the course of justice and others,” they added.“We have a much broader view. We are investigating all aspects and we will go where the evidence leads us."TVP officers issued an appeal to a woman who claims to have been sent to the UK by Epstein for a “sexual encounter” with the former prince in 2010 to come forward and speak to investigators, saying their “door is always open”.“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,” said Oliver Wright, the assistant chief constable for crime and criminal justice at TVP. What happens next?Officers have said that because MIPO is a “crime that can take many different forms”, their investigation is “complex” and potentially lengthy.Police carried out searches at Royal Lodge, the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)In order to pursue a prosecution, detectives must be confident they can prove firstly that the suspect was in a public office; secondly that the suspect did engage in a form of misconduct; and thirdly that any alleged misconduct was directly linked to their position in public office.In its guidelines, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also says there is “no simple definition” of public office, and that each case must be assessed individually.An act of misconduct does not need to amount to a criminal offence in order to be considered. But any act could be pursued via a separate investigation if deemed relevant.Police have said they are continuing to assess all evidence they receive, and stressed they want to hear from anyone with relevant information.Assistant chief constable Oliver Wright said: “Our misconduct in public office investigation is continuing. Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation. “Our team of very experienced detectives are working meticulously through a significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead. “We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us through the normal non-urgent contact channels, such as the Thames Valley Police online portal. “I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate.”