Following the unprecedented arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor earlier today (19 February), police are now carrying out searches at his Wood Farm address on the Sandringham Estate and his former home at the Royal Lodge in the grounds of Windsor Castle, with laptops, phones and other communication devices thought to be seized from the Royal residences.

The former prince was forced to give up his grade II-listed 30-bedroom mansion in January and was understood to be staying at the Wood Farm Cottage while Marsh Farm – which it is believed was to become his more permanent lodgings – undergoes much needed renovations. 

Six unmarked police cars were seen arriving at Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s five-bedroom home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate just after 8am, with one of the vehicles driving down the front drive and the other five going to the back entrance.

An unmarked police car was seen leaving around 30 minutes later, followed by two more vehicles both also believed to be from the police force and thought to be containing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s security.

The arrest is part of an on-going investigation being carried out in relation to Andrew’s relationship and possible criminal activities connected to Jeffrey Epstein, which has come under renewed scrutiny in the past weeks since the US released more than three million pages of material, some of which suggest that Andrew shared sensitive government information with the disgraced financier and his associates.  

The allegations have raised profound questions about the conduct of a senior royal figure and the potential misuse of privileged access during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment – essentially the country’s trade envoy, acting in a taxpayer-funded position intended to promote British commercial interests abroad.

Amongst the claims are suggestions that Andrew – who actually turns 66-years-old today – forwarded confidential diplomatic cables, Treasury briefings, and reports from official trips to Asia during 2010. 

In one instance, an email sent by a special adviser was allegedly forwarded by the former prince to Epstein within minutes. In addition, Thames Valley Police previously confirmed they were reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew.

The force released a statement shortly after the arrest:

“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. The man remains in police custody at this time.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was a matter for the police who he insisted will conduct their own investigations, but added: “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law.”

King Charles said earlier this month that he was ready to help police investigations into his brother’s possible crimes associated with Epstein who was found dead in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex charges, having previously been convicted in 2008 of soliciting sex from an underage girl.

The unfolding case marks an unprecedented moment for the modern British monarchy. While Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 and relinquished his remaining titles in 2025, the criminal investigation represents a far more serious challenge. It raises broader questions about accountability, privilege, and the responsibilities of public office – especially when held by individuals with access to sensitive national information.

The arrest of the former prince should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no reports of any charges at this point. Nevertheless, it is a very long fall from the splendour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and as the investigation proceeds, the public and political establishment await clarity.