Keir Starmer’s government is weighing up introducing legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession after the police finish investigating him, it is understood.
The move would require an Act of Parliament and the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch.
Calls have grown for the former prince to relinquish his position as eighth in line to the throne following his arrest on Thursday.
It comes as the Metropolitan Police urged Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former bodyguards to “consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard” may be relevant to the force's review of the Epstein files.
It said earlier this week it was conducting inquiries following allegations related to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former royal close protection officers.
On Thursday, the disgraced former prince was released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police is investigating claims that while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, he shared sensitive information with disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Read MoreKing Charles makes first public appearance after his brother’s arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest: History of his royal homes – from Wood Farm to Royal Lodge
Andrew’s arrest brings this awful drama to its final act
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor latest: Key points
- Government considering legislation to revoke Andrew's succession rights
- Andrew's protection officers asked 'whether anything they saw or heard' is relevant
- MPs set to meet to consider investigation into former prince's role as trade envoy
- Royal Lodge search to continue until Monday
- Kemi Badenoch says King's handling of Andrew's arrest is 'exemplary'
‘He was never a prince’: Virginia Giuffre’s family speak out
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre’s family welcomed news of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying: “He was never a prince.”
“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” Ms Giuffre's siblings said in a statement.
“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK's Thames Valley Police for their investigation and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
Prince and Princess of Wales expected to appear in public as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor probe continues
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Royal family is expected to continue engagements as usual this weekend as a police search at Royal Lodge enters its third day.
Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate are anticipated to appear in public carrying out royal duties on Saturday.
It comes after King Charles and Queen Camilla each attended royal engagements on Thursday following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
The King refrained from answering questions from reporters at the time, but later issued his own statement in which he said the “law must take its course”.
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
08:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has shocked many, described by one royal expert as “the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the royal family in modern times.”
The former prince faces an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office, over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
The Independent’s Bryony Gooch takes a look inside the former royal’s arrest below:
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
MPs set to meet to consider investigation into former prince's role as trade envoy
08:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs are reportedly set to meet on Tuesday to consider an investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a UK trade envoy.
According to The Guardian, the cross-party business and trade committee said it would meet next Tuesday to assess a possible investigation into the role he held from 2001 to 2011.
One source told the newspaper he consistently badgered ministers for a more significant job on several occasions.
Others said he was widely regarded as a “liability” in the role because of his personality and the way he did the job.
Trump calls Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest ‘so bad for the royal family’
07:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS President Donald Trump has weighed in on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, hours after the King’s brother was detained under suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing,” Mr Trump said Thursday.
Trump calls Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest ‘so bad for the royal family’
LIVE: View of Wood Farm as PM considers removing former prince from line of succession
07:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSearches at Royal Lodge expected to enter third day
07:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGood morning.
Searches at Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, are expected to continue for a third day following the former prince’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation on Thursday evening.
It comes as the prime minister considers whether to formally remove him from the royal line of succession.
The move would require an Act of Parliament and the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch.
We’ll be keeping you up to date with all the latest in this blog.
Recap: Police ask Andrew's former bodyguards for information
07:00 , Harriette BoucherThe Met Police has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former bodyguards to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" may be relevant to the Metropolitan Police's review of the Epstein files.
On Friday, the force said they were identifying and contacting former close protection officers of the former prince to ask for any information that could assist with their inquiries.
A former Met Police deputy assistant commissioner said his bodyguards “may not even know that they hold important information”.
Stephen Roberts told Sky News: “It's quite possible that they can contribute some sort of evidence, either in favour of a prosecution or indeed anything that might exonerate the suspect.”
Watch: Andrew ‘was never a prince’ say Virginia Giuffre’s family after UK police arrest
06:00 , Harriette BoucherComment: Epstein toppled a prince in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
05:00 , Harriette BoucherOn behalf of the 11 Jeffrey Epstein survivors I represent, we applaud the UK’s principled, dignified stand for the rule of law in the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. The arrest is for the alleged disclosure of trade secrets to his friend, Jeffrey Epstein. Trade secrets matter. What matters even more? Women’s lives.
It should be said that Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest this week is unrelated to the claims of Epstein’s victims. He has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. But the thing that strikes me from across the pond is this. In the UK, disclosures in the Epstein files have brought down a prince and a lord, at the very least costing them their titles. In the US, the Epstein survivors do not expect a reckoning. Not under this administration.
The recent release of millions of pages of the Epstein files revealed what the survivors have said for decades: that Epstein was comfortably embedded within a network of high-profile men (and a few women) who cared more about access to money and connections than about reporting suspicious behaviour. Photos of some of these men adorned Epstein’s residences. He told the girls that if they talked, no one would believe them, and he would be protected by his powerful friends.
American attorney Lisa Bloom writes:
Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Who is in line for the British throne?
04:01 , Harriette BoucheCalls are growing for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the line of succession.
The government is understood to be weighing introducing legislation to remove the former Duke of York from the line of succession after the police conclude its investigation into him.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, still sits at eighth in line for the throne.
Here is the line of succession:
1. William, Prince of Wales
2. Prince George of Wales (son of William)
3. Princess Charlotte of Wales (daughter of William)
4. Prince Louis of Wales (son of William)
5. Harry, Duke of Sussex
6. Prince Archie of Sussex (son of Harry)
7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex (daughter of Harry)
8. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
9. Princess Beatrice (daughter of Mountbatten-Windsor)
10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (daughter of Princess Beatrice)
11. Athena Mapelli Mozzi (daughter of Princess Beatrice)
12. Princess Eugenie (daughter of Mountbatten-Windsor)
13. August Brooksbank (son of Princess Eugenie)
14. Ernest Brooksbank (son of Princess Eugenie)
15. Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
16. James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex (son of Edward)
17. Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor (daughter of Edward)
18. Anne, Princess Royal
19. Peter Phillips (son of Anne)
20. Savannah Phillips (daughter of Peter Phillips)
21. Isla Phillips (daughter of Peter Phillips)
22. Zara Tindall (daughter of Anne)
23. Mia Tindall (daughter of Zara Tindall)
24. Lena Tindall (daughter of Zara Tindall)
25. Lucas Tindall (son of Zara Tindall)
In pictures: Journalists wait at the entrance gate of Sandringham Royal Estate
03:09 , Harriette Boucher Comment: The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
02:00 , Harriette BoucherAs the Watergate scandal proved, it pays to show who truly holds the purse strings, writes Chris Blackhurst. We should know what the royal family is doing in the name of our country.
The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
Giuffre lawyer compares Andrew's arrest to 1931 indictment of Al Capone
01:00 , Harriette BoucherA lawyer representing Virginia Giuffre has compared Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest to the 1931 indictment of legendary gangster Al Capone not for murder or extortion but for failing to pay federal income tax.
David Boies told The Independent: “There’s a certain satisfaction and sense of justice, but it also reflects the failure of the justice system to bring him and others to account for their most important crimes.”
He said that it would be nothing short of “an imperfect resolution if it stops here.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied all allegations against him.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored prior to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, Mr Boies said Andrew should be granted “safe passage” to the US to give evidence regarding Jeffrey Epstein, and has an “obligation” to disclose what he knows about the late financier and should be able to do so without fear of arrest.
Government 'not ruling anything out' on removing Andrew from succession line
00:00 , Harriette BoucherThe chief secretary to the treasury has confirmed the government is "not ruling anything out" when it comes to the prospect of legally removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
James Murray told Sky News: “The government is considering any further steps that might be required, and we're not ruling anything out.
“But at this stage, would be inappropriate for us to go any further because there is a live police investigation under way.”
Andrew's arrest will not bring justice to victims, says top lawyer
Friday 20 February 2026 23:00 , Harriette BoucherA women’s rights lawyer who represents Epstein victims has said she does believe there will be any “any real justice”, despite Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday.
Gloria Allred told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The state has acted quickly to make this arrest but there still has not been any action on the part of the police on allegations that Andrew has committed crimes against women.
“Apparently allegations concerning the state trade secrets and/or allegations of financial crimes are given priority and quick action while allegations of rape and child sexual abuse and sex trafficking take many years to investigate and do not result in arrests and accountability for victims who are women and girls.”
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Watch:
Friday 20 February 2026 22:30 , Harriette Boucher'King paved the way for law to take its course', says Maitlis
Friday 20 February 2026 22:00 , Harriette BoucherEmily Maitlis, who interviewed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, said the King had paved the way for the law to take its course.
Speaking to journalist Christiane Amanpour, she said she was “absolutely stunned” by his arrest.
“This is not something we see in this country, this is not something we’re used to seeing,” she said.
“There is no question in my mind that when King Charles removed that title from Andrew six months ago, when he asked him to leave Royal Lodge, the King was essentially paving the way for the law to take its course.
“He was essentially saying to the forces of justice in this country ‘I don’t want to tie your hands, he is my brother, but he is no longer untouchable’.”
Recap: Police ask Andrew's former bodyguards for information
Friday 20 February 2026 21:30 , Harriette BoucherThe Met Police has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former bodyguards to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" may be relevant to the Metropolitan Police's review of the Epstein files.
On Friday, the force said they were identifying and contacting former close protection officers of the former prince to ask for any information that could assist with their inquiries.
A former Met Police deputy assistant commissioner said his bodyguards “may not even know that they hold important information”.
Stephen Roberts told Sky News: “It's quite possible that they can contribute some sort of evidence, either in favour of a prosecution or indeed anything that might exonerate the suspect.”
Kemi Badenoch says King's handling of Andrew's arrest is 'exemplary'
Friday 20 February 2026 20:55 , Harriette BoucherKemi Badenoch has praised the King over his handling of Andrew’s arrest, saying he has set an “exemplary example”, as she takes a swipe at Keir Starmer.
The Tory leader told Sky News: “I think the King is absolutely right to have said what he said. The law must run its course.
“No one is above the law, not even members of the Royal Family.
“What I think is really interesting is the contrast between how His Majesty has handled this situation, versus how the prime minister handled a situation with Peter Mandelson, also embroiled in this Jeffrey Epstein scandal.”
Andrew's former bodyguard 'may not even know they hold important information'
Friday 20 February 2026 20:30 , Harriette BoucherA former Met Police deputy assistant commissioner has said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s bodyguards “may not even know that they hold important information”.
It follows news on Friday night that the force is asking former close protection officers to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" may be relevant to the Met Police's review of the Epstein files.
Stephen Roberts told Sky News: “It's quite possible that they can contribute some sort of evidence, either in favour of a prosecution or indeed anything that might exonerate the suspect.
“The protection officers may not even know that they hold important information, so it's really a process of sifting all potential sources of information and evidence.”
He said that further investigation into Andrew is likely to take “months and years, rather than the days and weeks that people might wish”.
Watch: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Royal historian says this is 'more of a crisis than passing of Princess Diana'
Friday 20 February 2026 20:05 , Harriette BoucherGovernment 'not ruling anything out' on removing Andrew from succession line
Friday 20 February 2026 19:40 , Harriette BoucherThe chief secretary to the treasury has confirmed the government is "not ruling anything out" when it comes to the prospect of legally removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
James Murray told Sky News: “The government is considering any further steps that might be required, and we're not ruling anything out.
“But at this stage, would be inappropriate for us to go any further because there is a live police investigation under way.”
Andrew's arrest will not bring justice to victims, says top lawyer
Friday 20 February 2026 19:00 , Harriette BoucherA women’s rights lawyer who represents Epstein victims has said she does believe there will be any “any real justice”, despite Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday.
Gloria Allred told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The state has acted quickly to make this arrest but there still has not been any action on the part of the police on allegations that Andrew has committed crimes against women.
“Apparently allegations concerning the state trade secrets and/or allegations of financial crimes are given priority and quick action while allegations of rape and child sexual abuse and sex trafficking take many years to investigate and do not result in arrests and accountability for victims who are women and girls.”
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Police urge Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ex-bodyguards to say what they ‘saw or heard’ in Epstein probe
Friday 20 February 2026 18:40 , Harriette BoucherPolice probing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have urged his former bodyguards to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" is relevant to their investigation.
The Metropolitan force said they were identifying and contacting former and serving close protection officers of the former Duke of York, urging them to share any information that could assist with their inquiries.
Detectives are also working with authorities in the US to establish whether London airports had been used to "facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation", after former prime minister Gordon Brown called for police to “urgently” re-examine claims that women or girls were trafficked to the UK aboard flights to Stansted.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windor’s ex-bodyguards urged to come forward in Epstein probe
Watch: Andrew ‘was never a prince’ say Virginia Giuffre’s family after UK police arrest
Friday 20 February 2026 18:20 , Harriette BoucherWho is in line for the British throne?
Friday 20 February 2026 18:02 , Harriette BoucherCalls are growing for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the line of succession.
The disgraced former prince, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, still sits at eighth in line for the throne.
Who is in line for the British throne?
1. William, Prince of Wales
2. Prince George of Wales (son of William)
3. Princess Charlotte of Wales (daughter of William)
4. Prince Louis of Wales (son of William)
5. Harry, Duke of Sussex
6. Prince Archie of Sussex (son of Harry)
7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex (daughter of Harry)
8. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
9. Princess Beatrice (daughter of Mountbatten-Windsor)
10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (daughter of Princess Beatrice)
11. Athena Mapelli Mozzi (daughter of Princess Beatrice)
12. Princess Eugenie (daughter of Mountbatten-Windsor)
13. August Brooksbank (son of Princess Eugenie)
14. Ernest Brooksbank (son of Princess Eugenie)
15. Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
16. James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex (son of Edward)
17. Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor (daughter of Edward)
18. Anne, Princess Royal
19. Peter Phillips (son of Anne)
20. Savannah Phillips (daughter of Peter Phillips)
21. Isla Phillips (daughter of Peter Phillips)
22. Zara Tindall (daughter of Anne)
23. Mia Tindall (daughter of Zara Tindall)
24. Lena Tindall (daughter of Zara Tindall)
25. Lucas Tindall (son of Zara Tindall)
Government considering legislation to revoke Andrew's succession rights
Friday 20 February 2026 17:55 , Harriette BoucherIt is understood the government is considering bringing in legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line for the British throne after the police investigation has concluded.
Any changes to the line of succession would also require the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch.
It comes as calls grow for the former prince to surrender his position as eighth in line to the throne.
Kemi Badenoch says King's handling of Andrew's arrest is 'exemplary'
Friday 20 February 2026 17:39 , Harriette BoucherKemi Badenoch has praised the King over his handling of Andrew’s arrest, saying he has set an “exemplary example”, as she takes a swipe at Keir Starmer.
The Tory leader told Sky News: “I think the King is absolutely right to have said what he said. The law must run its course.
“No one is above the law, not even members of the Royal Family.
“What I think is really interesting is the contrast between how His Majesty has handled this situation, versus how the prime minister handled a situation with Peter Mandelson, also embroiled in this Jeffrey Epstein scandal.”
Giuffre lawyer compares Andrew's arrest to 1931 indictment of Al Capone
Friday 20 February 2026 17:32 , Harriette BoucherA lawyer representing Virginia Giuffre has compared Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest to the 1931 indictment of legendary gangster Al Capone not for murder or extortion but for failing to pay federal income tax.
David Boies told The Independent: “There’s a certain satisfaction and sense of justice, but it also reflects the failure of the justice system to bring him and others to account for their most important crimes.”
He said that it would be nothing short of “an imperfect resolution if it stops here.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied all allegations against him.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored prior to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, Mr Boies said Andrew should be granted “safe passage” to the US to give evidence regarding Jeffrey Epstein, and has an “obligation” to disclose what he knows about the late financier and should be able to do so without fear of arrest.
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows that ‘power can be toppled’
Friday 20 February 2026 17:13 , Harriette BoucherOne of the first women to accuse late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein of sexually assaulting her – and her younger sister – said she was thrilled by news that the man formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last year over his longstanding ties to the notorious predator, had been arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I’m feeling elated,” Epstein survivor Maria Farmer, 56, told The Independent. “... I think it’s going to make all the difference for everyone. It proves that power can be toppled.”
Farmer said she got a phone call at 4 a.m. from a close confidante of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein victim who claimed the disgraced financier forced her to have sex with the then-prince, now simply Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, when she was 17.
Giuffre died by suicide last April at the age of 41.
“This was Virginia’s fight,” Farmer said of Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. “It feels like this is all her, that Virginia’s doing this from the ether. She’s still working on it.”
Read more here:
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows ‘power can be toppled’
Neighbour in Windsor says Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor 'not popular'
Friday 20 February 2026 17:07 , Harriette BoucherA dog walker who lives near Royal Lodge, who wished to be known only as Ben, said: “I wasn’t surprised at all (to hear of the arrest).
“I think the mood of the nation is behind the fact that he should answer for whatever he’s done.
Asked what it has been like to have the former prince as a neighbour in Windsor, Ben replied: “He’s not popular. But he’s not popular anywhere, is he?”
Watch: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be 'removed as eighth in line to the throne,' says royal expert
Friday 20 February 2026 16:57 , Harriette BoucherCars believed to be police vehicles seen leaving Royal Lodge amid search
Friday 20 February 2026 16:37 , Harriette BoucherA number of unmarked cars and vans, believed to be police vehicles, were seen leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor at just after 4.20pm on Friday, after police spent a full day searching Andrew’s former home.
Thames Valley Police said earlier its search of Royal Lodge was ongoing and would continue through to Monday.
Andrew's protection officers asked 'whether anything they saw or heard' is relevant to Epstein files review
Friday 20 February 2026 16:26 , Harriette BoucherThe Met Police has asked former close protection officers to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" may be relevant to the Metropolitan Police's review of the Epstein files, the force said.
Andrew's arrest will not bring justice to victims, says top lawyer
Friday 20 February 2026 16:19 , Harriette BoucherA women’s rights lawyer who represents Epstein victims has said she does believe there will be any “any real justice”, despite Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday.
Gloria Allred told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The state has acted quickly to make this arrest but there still has not been any action on the part of the police on allegations that Andrew has committed crimes against women.
“Apparently allegations concerning the state trade secrets and/or allegations of financial crimes are given priority and quick action while allegations of rape and child sexual abuse and sex trafficking take many years to investigate and do not result in arrests and accountability for victims who are women and girls.”
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Comment: The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
Friday 20 February 2026 15:59 , Harriette BoucherIn the book, All the President’s Men, author Bob Woodward says to Senator Sam Ervin: “The key was the secret campaign cash, and it should all be traced.”
When it came to the subsequent film on Woodward and his colleague Carl Bernstein’s investigation into the Watergate break-in and the downfall of Richard Nixon, screenwriter William Goldman deployed creative license. The “Deep Throat” tipping off Woodward tells him to “follow the money”.
No matter that it was never said. The three words stuck and have resonated down the decades ever since. In The Wire, detective Lester Freamon says, “You follow drugs, you get drug addicts and drug dealers. But you start to follow the money, and you don’t know where the f*** it’s gonna take you.”
Well, now it has taken the police to a house on the Sandringham Estate and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on his birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Not for possible sex-trafficking – Andrew’s alleged misconduct could perhaps be linked to his chasing a lifestyle he did not have, for wealth he could not legitimately earn.
It may prove to be the same with Peter Mandelson. The ex-minister and lord might find himself arrested for the same misconduct offence. Always the money. In the millions of Epstein files, there is this email from the convicted sex offender to Mandelson: “I am disappointed in what appears to be a one-way street … Jeffrey, can I have, Jeffrey, can you give, Jeffrey, can you organise … you have yet to offer real assistance.”
The fall of the former Prince Andrew shows why we must always ‘follow the money’
This Morning's Ashley James breaks down in tears reacting to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
Friday 20 February 2026 15:38 , Harriette BoucherThis Morning star Ashley James broke down in tears during a segment on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, telling the show’s hosts she felt “a huge sense of relief” when the Royal was taken into custody.
In pictures: Journalists wait at the entrance gate of Sandringham Royal Estate
Friday 20 February 2026 15:15 , Harriette Boucher Princess Anne ducks questions on Andrew's arrest
Friday 20 February 2026 15:01 , Harriette BoucherPrincess Anne has avoided questions surrounding her younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday.
Following a visit to Yorkshire Crisps on Friday, the Princess Royal ignored a reporter who asked from across the car park if she had spoken to her brother since his arrest.
Search of Royal Lodge will continue over weekend
Friday 20 February 2026 13:57 , Harriette BoucherPolice will continue searching the Royal Lodge until Monday, Thames Valley Police has told The Independent.
On Thursday morning, police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office at the Sandringham Estate and began carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
”Searches in Berkshire are ongoing and are likely to be ongoing until Monday,” Thames Valley Police said.
Photographer behind viral photo of slumped Andrew leaving police station speaks out
Friday 20 February 2026 13:30 , Harriette BoucherSlumped in the car seat of his Range Rover attempting to avoid attention from the gathering photographers and journalists, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stares ahead of him as his vehicle leaves Aylsham police station.
The photo, taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble, instantly went viral across the world when it was published on Thursday evening.
The photo shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after he was released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Upon news that King Charles III’s younger brother had been arrested broke early on Thursday, Manchester-based Noble began the six-hour drive south to Norfolk to cover the major story.
Journalists knew the former prince had been arrested in Norfolk - the county that is home to the royal Sandringham estate where he resides.
Since officers from Thames Valley Police were questioning him, there were potentially 20 or more police stations where he could have been held.
Photographer behind viral slumped Andrew photo speaks out
Timeline of Thursday's events
Friday 20 February 2026 13:15 , Dan Haygarth- 8am: Thames Valley Police (TVP) arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office at the Sandringham Estate and began carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
- 10.03am: The force published a press release confirming the arrest of “a man in his sixties from Norfolk”, who was taken into custody.
- Midday: King Charles issued a statement about his brother’s arrest, saying: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
- 7.31pm: TVP provided an update on the investigation, saying that they had released the arrested man under investigation, adding that searches in Norfolk had finished, but searches in Berkshire were ongoing.
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Friday 20 February 2026 12:40 , Dan HaygarthFormer prince spent much of his 66th birthday in police custody and would have been treated like any other suspect, experts say. Read the full story below.
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Wedding held in Great Windsor Park 150m away from Royal Lodge
Friday 20 February 2026 12:26 , Dan HaygarthA wedding is taking place at a chapel in Windsor Great Park while a helicopter circles nearby Royal Lodge and members of the media gather outside the gates.
As police continue their searches at Andrew’s former home in Berkshire, guests are celebrating a marriage less than 500ft (150m) away at the Royal Chapel of All Saints.
The chapel, which is also known as Queen Victoria’s Chapel, was used as a place of worship by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and was where one of Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice, married.
The helicopter, believed to be linked to the media, prompted some upset among members of the public entering Windsor Great Park, with some commenting on its disruptive noise.
Growing calls to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Friday 20 February 2026 12:15 , Dan HaygarthA Conservative shadow minister has said the former prince should surrender his position in the line to the throne.
Andrew Bowie, the shadow Scotland secretary, told GB News: “I think it would be the decent thing [to remove himself from line of succession].
“Of course, if he’s found guilty of this, I think parliament would be well within its rights to act to remove him from the line of succession.
“But, let’s remember, he’s not been found guilty of anything just yet – he has yet to be charged with anything.
“So we have to let the police investigation run its course, and I think we should all act accordingly subsequent to that.”
Earlier this week, Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central told the BBC that she believed the former Duke of York should have his succession rights revoked, meaning he would no longer be in line to the throne.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the case is something parliament will have to consider “when the time is right”.
He said: “The most important thing right now is that the police be allowed to get on with their job, acting without fear or favour.
“But clearly this is an issue that parliament is going to have to consider when the time is right, naturally the monarchy will want to make sure he can never become king.”
WATCH: Police continue searches after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released from custody
Friday 20 February 2026 11:57 , Dan HaygarthPolanski calls for statutory inquiry
Friday 20 February 2026 11:40 , Dan HaygarthZack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has called for a full statutory inquiry following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Speaking about the arrest while he was campaigning for the forthcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton, Mr Polanski said that “there are lots of questions to be asked.”
He added: “We obviously need to wait for the legal process to make its way, but I would say we really need a full statutory inquiry into public figures from institutions.”
He said he hoped that such a process could reveal: “What we knew, what other people in those institutions knew and, where necessary, to make sure that the appropriate people are removed.”
Mr Polanski said he did not believe the country should have a monarchy.
Regarding its future, he said: “The monarchy are doing a pretty good job in themselves of not having their proudest moments over various issues we’ve seen in the last couple of years and, when the public are ready to have that national conversation about the monarchy, I think issues like this certainly don’t help the monarchy’s case.”