New Delhi, June 14 -- LONDON - The woman at the center of the most serious allegation now facing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has not spoken to police. Her lawyer has. That distinction, narrow as it sounds, may be the one that determines whether Britain's largest royal criminal investigation remains a trade-secrets case or becomes something far more consequential.

Thames Valley Police confirmed in late May that their misconduct in public office investigation - which began with allegations that the former Duke of York passed classified trade documents to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein - could now extend to potential sexual offences. The force said it had made contact with lawyers representing a woman who has alleged she was brought t...