Investigators Continue Searching Former Royal’s Estate After Historic Arrest

Law enforcement officers are still examining Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence following his unprecedented arrest on Thursday. The former royal faces allegations of sharing confidential government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a trade envoy.

LONDON (AP) — Investigators extended their search Friday at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous residence, following his historic detention Thursday on allegations of official misconduct connected to his relationship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

After experiencing one of the most dramatic episodes in recent British royal history, the former Prince Andrew has returned to his current residence at the Sandringham estate, King Charles III’s private property located approximately 115 miles north of London.

Authorities have wrapped up their examination at his current location but continue investigating Royal Lodge, his previous 30-room residence situated within Windsor Castle’s grounds, located west of the capital.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who was photographed appearing dejected in his driver’s vehicle after his Thursday evening release, stays under active investigation by Thames Valley Police, meaning he faces neither formal charges nor clearance at this time.

His detention stems from longstanding accusations regarding his connections to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York detention facility in 2019. The central allegation involves Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly Prince Andrew before his brother removed his royal titles in October — allegedly providing sensitive trade intelligence to the disgraced financier while serving as Britain’s trade representative.

Recent emails disclosed by the U.S. Department of Justice last month seemingly demonstrate Mountbatten-Windsor transmitting official visit reports from Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One November 2010 message appears to show Andrew forwarding information within five minutes of receiving it. Another document from weeks later seemingly shows him providing Epstein with classified briefings about investment prospects in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province reconstruction efforts.

Additional British law enforcement agencies are pursuing separate investigations into Mountbatten-Windsor’s Epstein connections.

While Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly rejected wrongdoing claims regarding his Epstein association, he has remained silent about recent accusations emerging from the released “Epstein files.”

Officers arrived at Mountbatten-Windsor’s property for his 8 a.m. Thursday arrest — coinciding with his 66th birthday — before transporting him to a local station for interrogation.

His responses during questioning remain unknown. He potentially remained silent or responded “no comment,” which represents his legal right.

Legal professionals noted that proving misconduct in public office presents significant challenges.

“Initially, authorities must establish whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor held a governmental position qualifying as a public officer,” explained Sean Caulfield, a criminal defense attorney at Hodge Jones & Allen. “No standardized definition exists for clear reference.”

The Crown Prosecution Service will determine whether to file formal charges.

Andrew Gilmore, a Grosvenor Law partner, explained that prosecutors will implement the two-part “Code for Crown Prosecutors” evaluation.

“This assessment determines whether evidence suggests a realistic conviction possibility and whether prosecution serves public interest,” he stated. “Meeting both criteria results in formal charges and court proceedings.”

Mountbatten-Windsor represents the first royal arrest since King Charles I nearly four centuries ago. That incident became a pivotal British historical moment, triggering civil conflict, Charles’ execution, and temporary monarchy dissolution.

His arrest undoubtedly constitutes one of the most serious crises facing the House of Windsor since its founding over a century ago. Arguably, only King Edward VIII’s 1936 abdication and Princess Diana’s 1997 death have presented comparable institutional threats to the modern British monarchy.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the king and royal family will maintain their regular responsibilities, though questions about Mountbatten-Windsor will persist throughout the lengthy investigation process.

In Thursday’s statement, the king declared the “law must take its course,” adding that “as this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

Thursday’s investigated allegations differ from Virginia Giuffre’s claims, who alleged being trafficked to Britain for sexual encounters with the prince in 2001 at age 17. Giuffre died by suicide last year.

Nevertheless, Giuffre’s sister-in-law Amanda Roberts expressed overwhelming joy receiving a 3 a.m. phone call about the arrest news. However, her celebration became bittersweet realizing she couldn’t share these “vindication” feelings with Giuffre.

“We can’t tell her how much we love her, and that everything that she was doing is not in vain,” Roberts said through tears.