Police are intensifying their search at the former residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his lengthy detention on suspicion of public office misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The former Prince Andrew, now stripped of his royal titles, was released after an 11-hour custody period. The investigation centers on allegations of sharing sensitive trade information with Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was apprehended on his 66th birthday, is back at his Sandringham estate, while authorities continue to search his Royal Lodge at Windsor Castle. Despite being under investigation, he has not been formally charged by Thames Valley Police.
The recent arrest sheds light on years of accusations surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with Epstein. Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggest he shared confidential reports during his official visits to Asian countries. The arrest is a significant development as multiple UK police forces probe Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Epstein.
While the arrest has historical implications, experts note the complexity of proving public office misconduct. The decision to charge Mountbatten-Windsor rests with the Crown Prosecution Service, following a detailed evaluation of the evidence.
The royal family, including King Charles III, will continue with their duties amid the ongoing investigation. The allegations against Mountbatten-Windsor do not pertain to Epstein’s sex trafficking, differentiating them from previous claims brought by Virginia Giuffre.