Prince Andrew: Police End Search of Royal Lodge in Epstein Probe
Searches at Royal Lodge, the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, have concluded after a six-day operation by Thames Valley Police, officials confirmed today. The investigation follows the arrest of the Duke of York last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was taken into custody on and held for eleven hours at a police station in Norfolk before being released pending further investigation. Police have stated that no charges have been filed at this time and that updates are unlikely “for some time.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police confirmed the conclusion of the search at the Berkshire property. “This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday,” Wright said in a statement. Searches at a separate property in Norfolk, where Mountbatten-Windsor currently resides at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, were completed last .
The police inquiries were triggered by the recent release of millions of documents by the United States Department of Justice relating to the case of Jeffrey Epstein. These files have prompted renewed scrutiny of numerous high-profile individuals linked to the late financier, and have brought fresh attention to Mountbatten-Windsor’s past association with Epstein.
Documents released as part of the Epstein files appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor discussing confidential information obtained during his tenure as a UK trade envoy with Epstein. The nature of this information, and whether its disclosure constitutes misconduct in public office, remains under investigation.
Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from royal duties in and was formally stripped of his royal titles last year in response to the controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
The unfolding situation has prompted discussion beyond the United Kingdom. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon indicated yesterday that his government would support a move by the UK to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, should such a proposal be made. “We would support that,” Luxon stated.
The investigation is not limited to Mountbatten-Windsor. Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the United States and previously a key figure in British politics, was also arrested on on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest relates to allegations that he shared market-sensitive information with Epstein during his time as UK Business Secretary. Mandelson was released on bail later the same day and has not commented on the specific allegations, though he has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Mandelson’s removal as the UK’s ambassador to the United States last followed reports of continued contact with Epstein even after the financier’s conviction. The decision to remove him was made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Police have emphasized that both investigations remain active and that no charges have been filed against either Mountbatten-Windsor or Mandelson. The focus remains on analyzing the newly released documents and gathering further evidence to determine whether any criminal offenses have been committed.
The protracted investigation and the public scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct continue to pose a significant challenge for the British monarchy, raising questions about the institution’s relationship with individuals involved in controversial activities and the potential for further revelations as the investigation progresses. The case also highlights the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal and its reach into the highest echelons of power, and influence.