Police are examining thousands of emails containing information about Prince Andrew's financial dealings that were previously shared with Buckingham Palace several years ago.

The emails, which relate to the Duke of York's business activities, were provided to the Royal Household in 2020 according to one account, though another source indicates the material was first shared with the Palace in 2019.

The correspondence appears to involve Prince Andrew's dealings with individuals described as tax-haven businesspeople during his time in various royal roles. The exact nature and scope of the financial arrangements detailed in the emails has not been disclosed.

Detectives have since opened an investigation into the former working royal on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The probe represents a significant development in ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew's business activities and associations.

The timeline suggests that concerns about the Duke's dealings were raised with Palace officials years before the current police investigation began. Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on how it handled the initial disclosure of the material.

Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 following controversy over his associations and has since had his royal patronages and military affiliations returned to the Queen.