Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson Caught in Police Dragnet Over Epstein Scandal
Prince Andrew Arrested on Birthday, Spends 11 Hours in Custody
Prince Andrew was hauled in by cops last Thursday (February 19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former royal marked his 66th birthday behind bars, accused of sharing sensitive info with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Police launched a detailed search of Andrew’s old Windsor home over the weekend, continuing into Monday.
Windsor Search Ends But Investigation Rolls On
By Tuesday evening, Thames Valley Police wrapped up their Windsor operation. 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.”
Andrew denies any wrongdoing but has kept quiet on the latest bombshell claims.
Released Under Investigation – Not On Bail, But Still In The Frame
After his arrest, Andrew was released from custody last Thursday and seen leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk. He is currently released under investigation, meaning no bail or travel restrictions—but police can rearrest or summon him for questioning anytime.
If evidence stacks up, Andrew could be charged with misconduct in public office. There’s no fixed deadline for charges yet.
Lord Mandelson Also Arrested in Epstein-Linked Probe
The saga deepened on Monday when former Labour heavyweight Lord Peter Mandelson was arrested under the same suspicion. He was later released on bail and returned to his London home Tuesday morning.
Mandelson’s lawyers slammed the arrest as baseless, triggered by wild rumours he planned to flee the UK. His legal team at Mishcon de Reya hit back:
“Peter Mandelson was arrested yesterday despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis. The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the MPS for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest. Peter Mandelson’s overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.”
Mandelson is accused of passing sensitive government info to Epstein during his stint as business secretary. Emails from the infamous 2009 “Epstein files” hint he leaked key policy details about asset sales, bankers’ bonus tax, and even a eurozone bailout a day before official announcements.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed Mandelson has been bailed until the end of May but refused further comment.
