Andrew's Friends Claim He's 'Relieved' To Leave Windsor During Exile as Police Probe Keeps Him 'In Limbo'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains under active police investigation over alleged misconduct in public office, as friends say he is 'relieved' to have left Windsor for the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and now finds himself in a kind of royal limbo.

They say Andrew had already departed his longtime home, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, for Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate before his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February. The move followed his removal from official royal duties and the loss of his former titles and honours, after years of scrutiny over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a civil claim brought against him by Virginia Giuffre in the United States.

Friends say Andrew is effectively limiting his movements while the investigation continues, although there are no bail conditions or formal travel restrictions preventing him from travelling, according to the report. One friend claimed Thames Valley Police appeared 'no nearer' to establishing whether an allegation of misconduct in public office could be substantiated.

What Detectives Are Examining

Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are investigating suspected misconduct in public office, an offence involving the serious wilful abuse or neglect of the powers or responsibilities of a public office.

A major focus is Andrew's former role as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment, a position he held from 2001 to 2011 before stepping down amid controversy over his relationship with Epstein.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice appear to show Andrew forwarding reports from official visits and a confidential briefing on investment opportunities in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, to Epstein. The documents have raised questions about whether confidential UK government information was shared with Epstein while Andrew was serving as trade envoy.

Detectives are also assessing a separate report involving a woman who says she was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. Thames Valley Police have not identified the woman and have said they are respecting her privacy and anonymity, adding that their 'door is always open' to people with relevant information should she wish to make a report.

Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him. He did not admit liability when he settled Giuffre's civil claim in 2022.

Delays Over US Evidence Request

Investigators are seeking original versions of Epstein-related documents from the US Department of Justice. Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are working with the department, while reports say a formal mutual legal assistance request could take up to a year to process. According to reports, an earlier informal request for the material was rejected before the formal application was submitted.

In July, it was reported that detectives were preparing to travel to the United States to speak to members of Giuffre's family as part of the investigation. The Independent reported that officers wanted to speak to her brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, about Giuffre's allegations.

Thames Valley Police have said the investigation remains ongoing and that officers are following all reasonable lines of inquiry. Andrew remains under investigation as police continue to examine allegations relating to his former trade-envoy role and other matters, while seeking further evidence from US authorities.