After six days of intense search activity, Thames Valley Police have ended their search at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s former Windsor residence. The finding was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, which has attracted significant public attention.
In a statement issued by Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers had completed their operations in Berkshire, where the Royal Lodge is located. “Officers have now left the location we were searching in Berkshire,” Wright said. He stressed that although the search has been completed, the investigation is still active. “It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to pursue their work,” he said. He said further updates on the case would not be provided for some time.
The investigation focuses on allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential information with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein during Andrew’s tenure as Britain’s trade envoy in the 2000s. The police action follows the arrest of Prince Andrew on February 19, when he was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officials confirmed that in addition to the Royal Lodge, searches were also carried out at Wood Farm, part of the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where Andrew was temporarily staying. Search activity at the Norfolk address ended after just one day.
The former prince has denied any wrongdoing related to the investigation. Her relationship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking and later died in custody, has long been scrutinized. Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 due to the controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein and was stripped of his royal titles in 2022.
As the investigation progresses, King Charles has publicly stated that the royal family will cooperate fully with authorities. King indicated the family’s commitment to the ongoing legal process, commenting, “The law must take its course.”
With the search now concluded, the focus will turn to the next steps of the investigation as authorities work to determine the facts of the case. Prince Andrew’s future remains uncertain as legal proceedings unfold, and the public awaits further developments in this high-profile investigation.