On February 19–20, 2026, British police continued an active search operation at Royal Lodge — the former Windsor residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was recently released from police custody under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest — a rare and highly notable moment in modern British royal history — occurred on Thursday at his Sandringham estate residence in Norfolk on the day he turned 66. Thames Valley Police detained him as part of an investigation connected to allegations raised by the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents related to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
After approximately 11 hours in custody, Mountbatten-Windsor was released “under investigation” — meaning he is free but the inquiry remains active and ongoing. No charges have been filed to date, and the Crown Prosecution Service will decide later whether to proceed with charges based on evidence gathered.
Following his release, detectives confirmed that searches at his Norfolk property have concluded, but operations at Royal Lodge in the Windsor Great Park continue as part of efforts to collect and analyse evidence.
Royal observers note that Royal Lodge, a historic Grade II-listed property where he lived for over two decades before relocating earlier this month, remains a focal point of the investigation. Uniformed officers and police vehicles have been observed in and around the estate gates as searches press on.
King Charles III has publicly stated that “the law must take its course” and emphasised full cooperation with authorities, reflecting official support for the rule of law in this unprecedented situation involving a senior member of the royal family.
International political figures, including some U.S. lawmakers, have called for deeper scrutiny and access to related documents and testimony, while critics argue the developments illustrate that no one is above the law.
At the same time, the police maintain a cautious stance, offering limited commentary on the specifics of the inquiry and urging the public to avoid speculation as they continue evidence collection and assessment.
This evolving case represents a significant moment for the British monarchy and the wider legal process, with ongoing investigations likely to inform future legal decisions and public perception.
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Sources (Credible Mainstream): BBC News The Guardian The Standard Irish Times People magazine
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