Police issue update six days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
Police have issued an update on their ongoing investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his arrest last week.
The 66-year-old, who was stripped of his royal titles by his brother King Charles last year, was taken in by police on his birthday - Thursday 19 February.
He was taken into custody in the morning following a ‘thorough assessment’ of claims of misconduct in public office before being released under investigation in the evening, with media capturing an image of Queen Elizabeth II's son lying down in the back of a car as he returned home.
When his arrest was first confirmed, Thames Valley Police said: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk."
Advert
Now, police have issued an update on their property searches, suggesting that further updates are likely to take a while in what is undoubtedly a hugely complex case.
A statement read: "Thames Valley Police can confirm the searches in Berkshire in connection to its investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office have now ended."
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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 (19/2).
“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. We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.”
Mountbatten-Windsor, who is accused of sharing confidential British government documents with the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom's trade envoy, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
When his arrest was first confirmed, Thames Valley Police said: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk."
King Charles also issued a statement regarding his brother's arrest, saying: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
"As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
Lord Peter Mandelson, whose emails also featured in the latest release of the Epstein Files, was also arrested earlier this week - on suspicion of the same offence - before being released on bail.
The former Labour minister was recently sacked by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the US ambassador and also stepped down from his position in the House of Lords.
Topics: Crime, Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News
James Moorhouse