UK police end search of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home as MPs back release of trade envoy files

UK police have concluded searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence in Windsor Great Park as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

The force began searching Royal Lodge in Berkshire following Andrew’s arrest at Sandringham last Thursday, which coincided with his 66th birthday. He was detained for 11 hours on suspicion of sharing sensitive information with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.

Andrew was released under investigation and has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said officers had now left the Berkshire property, bringing the search activity to an end. He said the investigation remained ongoing and that updates would be provided when appropriate, though he warned that further public information was unlikely in the near future.

The developments come after MPs backed the release of official files relating to Andrew’s appointment as a UK trade envoy. The House of Commons approved the move unanimously on Tuesday without a formal vote.

• Former Prince Andrew released under investigation after police arrest

Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government would release the documents “as soon as is practicable and possible within the law”. However, papers relating to potential misconduct in public office could be withheld on the advice of prosecutors.

In Parliament, Bryant criticised Andrew’s conduct, describing him as “rude, arrogant and entitled” and accusing him of pursuing “a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle”. He cited a visit to his constituency, saying Andrew insisted on travelling by helicopter, unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who travelled by car. Bryant added that arrogance was not a criminal offence.

Earlier this week, the governments of Australia and New Zealand said they supported plans to remove Andrew from the royal line of succession. Any change would require the agreement of all 15 Commonwealth realms where the British monarch is head of state.

• Australia's PM supports removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession, as UK MP seeks treason probe

Widening investigation
 

Separately, former Labour peer Peter Mandelson was arrested this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Mandelson was detained on Monday (23 February) and released later the same evening. Officers had initially planned to interview the 72-year-old under caution on a voluntary basis in the coming weeks, but those plans changed after investigators assessed an alleged flight risk.

• Former UK ambassador to U.S. Peter Mandelson released on bail after arrest
• Britain sacks Mandelson as U.S. ambassador over Epstein links

His lawyers say he was arrested over what they described as a “baseless” claim that he was preparing to flee the country and are demanding the Metropolitan Police release the evidence used to justify his detention.

In a statement, the legal team of the former Labour peer and ex-UK Ambassador to the U.S. said his “overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name”.

Lawyers at Mishcon de Reya said he had been arrested despite an agreement with police that he would attend a voluntary interview next month. They criticised the decision to detain him and reiterated his co-operation with the investigation.

Tags

News UK Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor royal family royal inquiry Peter Mandelson Jeffrey Epstein files