Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured looking downcast ahead of Easter weekend as new 'police' statement issued after arrest
Andrew was arrested on his birthday in FebruaryAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been seen in Sandringham looking downcast weeks on from his shock arrest.
On February 19, police arrested Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Following the release of millions of Epstein files in January, Andrew was accused of sharing confidential and sensitive information with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 and 2011 as he served as UK’s trade envoy.
Hours after his arrest, police released Andrew under investigation. Since then, he has kept a rather low profile.
This week, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued an update on investigations into Andrew, 66, and Lord Peter Mandelson, 72, over their past association with Epstein. Police also arrested Mandelson in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
New statement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation following arrest
As reported by the BBC, a CPS spokesperson has said: “We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the force’s investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested.
“We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man.”
As stated by the BBC, early investigative advice is a routine part of many police investigations. It allows CPS lawyers to give views and advice to police officers about the evidence they have gathered.
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This advice, however, doesn’t indicate that sufficient evidence exists to put someone before court.
According to the publication, Lord Mandelson’s position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Andrew looks downcast in Sandringham
This week, images showed Andrew driving on the Sandringham Estate, where he now lives after leaving his Royal Lodge home in Windsor.
In images obtained by the MailOnline, Andrew looked downcast as he drove his Range Rover with his security guard next to him in the passenger seat.
According to reports, Andrew could spend the upcoming Easter weekend quietly amid the scandal surrounding him.
Allegations against Andrew
Police arrested Andrew on his 66th birthday in February. His arrest came weeks after the US Department of Justice’s release of millions of files relating to Epstein and his crimes.
Within these files, emails appeared to show Andrew sharing confidential information with the disgraced financier.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 'reaction' to his new home
Last October, Andrew was ordered to leave 30-room Royal Lodge, located in Windsor Great Park. It came as scrutiny was mounting over Andrew's past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as well as sexual assault allegations against him. Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
However, upon leaving Royal Lodge, Andrew reportedly had some choice words.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 'outburst' after leaving Royal Lodge home
He allegedly declared: "I’m the Queen’s second son, you can’t do this to me."
A source reportedly told The Sun: "[Andrew] refused to leave or take any responsibility."
They added: "When he was told to get out he was so arrogant and deluded he repeatedly shouted, 'But I’m the Queen’s second son, you can’t do this to me.'
"It is extraordinary he chose to use the Queen’s name in his defence. No one is quite sure if the reality of his dire situation has hit home even yet."
Another insider also alleged that Andrew made it clear he "did not want to leave" Royal Lodge.
Andrew's new home on the Sandringham Estate
Andrew has moved to the king's Sandringham Estate. He has been temporarily living at Wood Farm.
But his new permanent residence will be five-bedroom Marsh Farm. It has been undergoing renovations in recent months before Andrew moves in.
According to reports, he'll move to Marsh Farm in April.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. But his past links to the disgraced financier have raised serious questions.
In 2010, whilst serving as the UK’s trade envoy, Andrew appeared to have forwarded government reports from official overseas visits to Epstein. He also allegedly forwarded information on investment opportunities.
Andrew served as trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive, commercial, or political information about their official visits.
King Charles’ statement on Andrew’s arrest
In a statement after news of Andrew’s arrest broke, his brother King Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
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