Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured for first time since arrest over Epstein links
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been photographed for the first time since his arrest for his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The 66-year-old former prince was spotted walking his dogs in the grounds around Marsh Farm, his new home on Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
He has not been seen since leaving Aylsham police station in February, when he tried to hide from photographers in the back of the car.
The former Duke of York was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid accusations that he shared confidential information with a convicted pedophile while serving as trade ambassador.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011 and resigned amid controversy over his friendship with the disgraced financier.
He remains under police investigation by Thames Valley Police, whose officers are considering allegations following allegations revealed in the Epstein files released by the US government.
It was also reported earlier this week that the investigation could be expanded to include potential corruption crimes. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing regarding his friendship with Epstein.
The former Duke of York said public outcry over his leases had led to his death at Windsor, during World War II. She was forced to move to the King’s estate in Norfolk after it resulted in her giving up her lease on the grade-listed mansion Royal Lodge.
It emerged that he had only been paying peppercorn rent for more than 20 years, having first moved into the property in 2003.
He was arrested at Wood Farm, where he was temporarily living while renovations were taking place at Marsh Farm, and the former prince is expected to move out in the coming days.
Calls have grown from various public figures for a greater investigation into Andrew’s past dealings with Epstein, while Commonwealth countries such as Canada and New Zealand have called for him to be removed from the line of succession.
Although he was stripped of his royal title last year, the King’s brother is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament would need to be passed to remove him and prevent him from ever becoming king again.
It is understood Sir Keir Starmer’s government will consider introducing such legislation after police complete their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother.
Calls for his sacking came after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor appeared several times in the so-called Epstein files, including footage of him bending over an unidentified woman and lying on the lap of several women.
In one email, Epstein appears to introduce the former prince to a woman described as “26, Russian, intelligent” [sic] beautiful, trustworthy who wants to visit her in the royal house”.
Retired civil servants also claimed he used taxpayers’ money for massages and excessive travel expenses while he was Britain’s trade envoy.
The BBC reported that a former civil servant refused to cover the cost of a massage done for him, but was overruled by senior staff, telling the broadcaster: “I thought it was wrong… I said we shouldn’t pay but we paid anyway.”
A former Whitehall official who oversaw the funding told the BBC they had “absolutely no doubt” about the veracity of the claim after seeing similar spending on foreign trips.
