Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor latest: Police issue update on Royal Lodge search after minister calls ex-duke ‘arrogant and entitled’

Police have said any updates to their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct are “unlikely to occur for some time”.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Thames Valley Police said officers had concluded searches at Royal Lodge and would continue to investigate the allegations.

“It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to further their work,” Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said.

“We will provide updates when appropriate, but this is unlikely to happen for some time.”

Police have confirmed that searches at Royal Lodge have been completed following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

In a statement, officers said: “Thames Valley Police can confirm that searches in Berkshire in connection with its investigation into public misconduct have now ended.”

Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Officers have left the location we were searching for in Berkshire. This brings to an end a search operation that began after we arrested a man in his sixties in Norfolk on Thursday.”

“We understand the significant public interest in this case and our investigation is ongoing.

“It is important that our researchers are given the time and space to advance their work. We will provide updates when appropriate, but this is unlikely to happen for some time.”

Future monarchs William and Kate will need to clarify their vision for the institution, which some have described as the worst crisis in 90 years, to rebuild public trust.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Lord Peter Mandelson have asked the Metropolitan Police to provide the evidence on which they relied to arrest the former Labor member.

Mishcon de Reya said in a statement that the arrest followed “baseless” allegations that he was about to leave the country.

The statement continued: “We asked the MPs for the evidence relied on to justify the arrest.”

“Peter Mandelson’s top priority is to cooperate with the police investigation and clear his name, as he has throughout this process.”

In Tuesday’s mailbox, Business Secretary Sir Chris Bryant described Andrew as “a man constantly on a whirlwind of self-aggrandisement and enrichment” and “a rude, arrogant and entitled man who cannot distinguish between the public interest he claims to serve and his own private interest”.

He recalled Mr Mountbatten-Windsor visiting the Sea Cadets at Tonypandy in the Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“They were absolutely delighted and excited to meet a member of the royal family,” Sir Chris said.

“But she insisted on coming by helicopter, unlike her mother, who came to the Rhondda twice and always came by car. She left early and paid almost no attention to the youngsters.”

Emails show taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police guards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home.

Officers tasked with protecting the prince were staying at the multimillion-pound mansion on 71st Street during a trip to visit the royal’s friend, according to emails revealed in the latest installment of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.

The Independent’s crime reporter Amy-Clare Martin There is this report:

The last alleged royal arrest was that of King Charles I (reigned 1625 to 1649) by parliamentary forces in 1646. This incident became famous when Charles was executed in 1649. But although royal arrests diminished in the 17th century, those of Charles I were not the last.

Lord Peter Mandelson reportedly texted a journalist asking: “Who or what is behind this?” he reportedly asked. following his arrest on Monday.

Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Emily Maitlis said a journalist told her she had received a message from Lord Mandelson which read: “Despite an earlier agreement between the police and the legal team to meet voluntarily in early March, the police arrested me because… they claimed I was about to flee to the British Virgin Islands and take up permanent residence abroad, leaving Reinaldo, my family, my home and Jock behind.

“Needless to say, it’s completely fictional. The police were told just today that they had to make an impromptu arrest.

“The question is: Who or what is behind this?”