Police Complete Windsor Residence Searches in Andrew Investigation
Thames Valley Police have officially concluded their search operations at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire. The searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
Ongoing Investigation Following Arrest
The police action followed the dramatic arrest of the former prince at Sandringham on his 66th birthday last Thursday. Andrew spent eleven hours in police custody before being released under investigation. He faces allegations of sharing sensitive information with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated: "Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday."
Wright emphasized that the investigation remains active, noting: "We understand the significant public interest in this case and our investigation remains ongoing. It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work."
Parliamentary Support for Transparency
In a significant development, Members of Parliament have unanimously backed the release of official files relating to Andrew's appointment as UK trade envoy. The parliamentary agreement was reached without requiring a formal vote, demonstrating broad cross-party support for transparency.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant confirmed the government's commitment to releasing the documents "as soon as is practicable and possible within the law." However, he cautioned that files specifically related to the misconduct investigation might be withheld based on legal advice from prosecutors.
Scathing Parliamentary Critique
During parliamentary discussions, Sir Chris Bryant delivered a blistering assessment of Andrew's character and conduct. The minister described the former Duke of York as "rude, arrogant and entitled," characterizing him as "a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle."
Bryant shared a personal anecdote about Andrew's visit to his constituency, revealing that the King's brother had insisted on traveling by helicopter to an event. "Unlike his mother [Queen Elizabeth II], who came twice to the Rhondda and always came by car," Bryant noted, before clarifying that "arrogance" itself is not a criminal offense.
International Repercussions and Royal Status
The investigation has triggered international consequences, with the governments of Australia and New Zealand recently endorsing proposals to remove Andrew from the royal line of succession. Changing the succession requires unanimous agreement among all fifteen Commonwealth realms where the British monarch serves as head of state.
To date, only Australia and New Zealand have formally supported this constitutional change, highlighting the complex international dimensions of the ongoing royal controversy.
Andrew has consistently and vigorously denied all allegations of wrongdoing related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince maintains his innocence regarding any misconduct during his decade-long service as UK trade envoy.
Police authorities have indicated that further updates on the investigation will be provided when appropriate, but cautioned that significant developments may not emerge for some time as investigators continue their work.
