Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is released under investigation as police continue extensive searches at Royal Lodge in Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was released from police custody yesterday evening after spending 11 hours being questioned.

His dramatic arrest at his Sandringham estate marked an unprecedented moment in modern royal history, as he became the first senior royal to be detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The news sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom and the world, raising questions about accountability within the monarchy.

King Charles III, Andrew’s elder brother, responded to the situation by emphasizing the importance of justice, stating that “the law must take its course.”

His comments reinforced that even members of the royal family are not exempt from legal scrutiny.

Royal Lodge Under Intense Scrutiny

Police activity continues at Royal Lodge, Andrew’s home for over two decades, as investigators comb through the property.

Unmarked vehicles believed to belong to law enforcement were seen entering the estate, signaling that the searches are ongoing.

While authorities have confirmed that work at Andrew’s newer residence on the Sandringham estate has concluded, investigations at Royal Lodge in Windsor remain active.

The alleged misconduct dates back to Andrew’s tenure as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

This time span means investigators are facing a substantial volume of evidence, including documents, emails, and other correspondence, which could take months to examine fully.

The complexity of the case suggests that any decision to charge him will require meticulous review of all material gathered.

A Historic Arrest Shakes the Monarchy

The arrest took place on the monarch’s private Norfolk estate, and notably, neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace were informed beforehand.

This decision underscored the police determination to demonstrate that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.

Photographs and footage of Andrew’s release show him looking haggard and red-eyed as he was driven away by privately funded security personnel.

The image of the former duke leaving custody starkly illustrates his fall from grace and serves as a visual representation of the unprecedented scandal engulfing the royal family.

What’s Next?

Once the evidence collection is complete, police are expected to compile a case file and submit it to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, will then decide whether to authorize formal charges against Andrew.

Given the enormous volume of evidence, the process may take a considerable amount of time, with investigators carefully piecing together documents and communications from across his tenure as a royal envoy.

The situation is likely to remain under intense public scrutiny, and Andrew’s legal team will continue to navigate the fallout from this historic investigation, while the monarchy faces one of its most serious crises in centuries.

Summary

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spent 11 hours in police custody before being released under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office.

Police searches at Royal Lodge are ongoing, while the Sandringham estate investigations have concluded.

Allegations relate to his role as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, requiring investigators to review a massive amount of documents and correspondence.

King Charles III emphasized that the law applies to everyone, including senior royals, signaling that justice will be pursued without exception.

The Crown Prosecution Service will review all evidence before deciding whether formal charges will be brought, with the process expected to take months.

The events mark an unprecedented moment for the British monarchy, as one of its most senior members faces intensive legal scrutiny and public attention.