Searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former Windsor home conclude

Police have confirmed they have concluded searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park.

The former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, and has since been released under investigation.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, recently moved from the Royal Lodge in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after he was stripped of his titles and served with a formal notice to surrender the lease to his Windsor address by King Charles. 

Following his arrest, Thames Valley Police (TVP) carried out searches in Norfolk, which were completed on Thursday, and at Royal Lodge.

Providing an update yesterday (Tuesday), TVP, which has not named Mountbatten-Windsor in statements about the investigation, said officers had now completed their Berkshire searches.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday.

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

“It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work. We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.”

The force confirmed it would not be making further statements about the investigation 'at this time'.

Following the news of last week's arrest, King Charles released a statement saying that 'the law must take its course'.

The former Prince Andrew has been under intense scrutiny over his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations that he shared confidential information while serving as the UK trade envoy, which came to light after the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. 

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing. 

On Monday, MPs in the House of Commons backed a motion by the Liberal Democrats calling for the release of documents relating to the creation of the UK trade envoy role and Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment. 

Separately, at yesterday afternoon's Business and Trade Committee meeting, chair Liam Byrne said an inquiry into the role of UK trade envoys could be launched after legal proceedings have concluded, should the information gathered by the committee warrant it. 

But Mr Byrne added: "Nothing must now compromise the full and unimpeded process of British justice and the possibility of a fair trial, if and when charges are brought. 

"The committee is therefore resolved that we should now begin gathering information immediately so that we might stand ready to launch an inquiry into the governance regime for trade envoys, at the moment the police and criminal justice action has concluded."