Thames Valley Police has announced the conclusion of searches at the former residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, located at Royal Lodge.

The Duke of York was taken into custody last Thursday (February 19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former royal spent 11 hours at the police station on what was his 66th birthday, following claims he disclosed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom’s trade representative.

Officers carried out searches of his former home in Windsor, Berkshire throughout the weekend and into Monday.

A statement released on Tuesday evening by Thames Valley Police confirmed the searches at the Berkshire property have now been completed.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that officers have now departed from the location they had been examining in Berkshire, bringing to an end the search operation that began after a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on Thursday.

He acknowledged the considerable public attention surrounding the case while emphasizing that the investigation continues. He stressed the importance of allowing investigators the time and space necessary to advance their work, noting that further updates would be provided when suitable but that this would not occur for some time.

The Duke has rejected any criminal conduct in relation to his associations with convicted sex offender Epstein, though he has not addressed the most recent allegations directly.

He was photographed departing Aylsham police station in Norfolk in the rear of a vehicle shortly after 7pm on Thursday (February 19), before subsequently returning to Sandringham.

Although released from custody, the investigation into him remains active, and it is standard practice for individuals detained regarding financial offences to be released after a brief period.

His status as released under investigation rather than on bail means he faces no restrictions such as requirements to remain in the country, and he may be detained again or called for additional questioning.

Should police and the Crown Prosecution Service determine sufficient evidence exists to pursue charges of misconduct in public office, that would be the subsequent course of action.

No deadline exists for when charges may be filed against someone who has been arrested.

Lord Mandelson’s detention followed an unfounded claim

The police update regarding Andrew comes after Lord Peter Mandelson was also apprehended on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former Labour cabinet minister was taken into custody on Monday (February 23) and subsequently released on bail before returning to his London residence in the early hours of Tuesday (February 24).

On Tuesday (February 24), Lord Mandelson’s legal representatives issued a statement indicating the 72-year-old had been arrested the previous day based on an allegation that he intended to depart the country and establish permanent residence overseas, which his representatives described as lacking foundation.

His legal practice, Mishcon de Reya, stated that Peter Mandelson was arrested despite a prior arrangement with police that he would attend a voluntary interview the following month.

The arrest was triggered by a suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and relocate permanently abroad, which his representatives said had no validity.

There is absolutely no validity to any such claim.

The firm has requested the Metropolitan Police Service provide the evidence used to justify the arrest.

Peter Mandelson’s primary concern is to collaborate with the police inquiry, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his reputation.

The former Labour minister stands accused of providing sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary.

Among the documents referred to as the Epstein files, emails from 2009 appear to indicate Lord Mandelson forwarded an assessment from Gordon Brown’s adviser regarding potential policy approaches, including proposals for asset disposals.

He also appeared to discuss a levy on banker bonuses and confirm an impending rescue package for the euro currency the day before its public announcement in 2010.

The emails appear to have been transmitted to Epstein after his conviction as a sex offender.

The Metropolitan Police declined to provide further comment beyond their statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday, which confirmed that a 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office had been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The force later stated he has been bailed until the end of May.