Police continue Royal Lodge search following Prince Andrew arrest

A police search is ongoing at the Royal Lodge, the former Berkshire home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following the former prince’s arrest on February 19, The Guardian reports.

While Thames Valley Police have concluded searches at Mountbatten-Windsor’s Sandringham estate residence, where he was taken into custody, the operation continues at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

Mountbatten-Windsor, arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

It is understood that neither King Charles III nor Buckingham Palace were informed prior to the arrest. However, the Home Secretary was reportedly briefed shortly before Andrew was taken into custody.

Thames Valley Police clarified that while they did not notify the Home Office directly before the arrest, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) followed standard protocol. In a statement, the NPCC said:

"In line with routine practice, the National Police Chiefs’ Council alerted operational colleagues within the Home Office of the arrest. This gave 30 minutes’ notice before Thames Valley Police made the arrest."

The search at Royal Lodge is part of a continuing investigation, with authorities focusing on gathering evidence related to the ongoing case.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, 66, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as police intensify their investigation into allegations connected to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

By Vafa Guliyeva