Police officers continued searches on Friday at Royal Lodge, the former residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a day after he was released under investigation.
The 66-year-old was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and taken to a police station in Norfolk for questioning. He has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Released under investigation
On Thursday evening, Thames Valley Police confirmed he had been released under investigation following several hours in custody. This status means he has not been charged and is not subject to bail conditions such as travel restrictions or curfews. However, the investigation remains active and further questioning is possible.
As with any arrest, he would have been formally processed, including identity checks and routine custody procedures. In cases involving alleged white-collar offences, suspects are often held for several hours while initial inquiries and searches are carried out.
A decision on whether charges will be brought will ultimately be made by the Crown Prosecution Service, in coordination with police. That process could take weeks.
Searches in Norfolk and Berkshire
Police confirmed that searches were conducted at addresses in both Norfolk and Berkshire. Activity in Norfolk, including on the Sandringham Estate, has now concluded.
However, searches at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park were still ongoing as of Friday morning. The large Berkshire property had been Andrew’s main residence until recently. Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu told the BBC that an arrest enables investigators to examine electronic devices, documents and other materials, as well as to search premises linked to the suspect.
Line of succession
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the British throne. Removing him from the line of succession would require legislation passed by Parliament and supported by Commonwealth nations that recognise King Charles III as head of state.
He also technically retains the status of counsellor of state, although in practice only working members of the royal family undertake those duties.
Nature of the investigation
The arrest took place at approximately 08:00 GMT on Thursday at Sandringham, where he had been staying. Police said they were assessing a complaint relating to the alleged sharing of confidential material, reportedly linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Authorities have not disclosed full details of the allegations. Previously reported claims suggest that confidential government briefings and information from trade visits may have been shared with external contacts. It remains unclear whether the current investigation extends beyond documents previously made public in the United States.
Buckingham Palace has indicated it will cooperate with police inquiries. Neither the King nor the Palace is understood to have received prior notice of the arrest.
The case remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
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