Prince Andrew Banned from Horse Riding Amid Police Investigation
Prince Andrew has been banned from horseback riding by royal aides who fear it would create a 'bad look' while he is under police investigation, according to sources. The former royal, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, has been ordered to halt the activity to avoid being photographed smiling on horseback.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is accused of sharing sensitive information with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. The exact reason for the arrest has not been disclosed by authorities.
The arrest follows a series of controversies surrounding Andrew's association with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Royal Aides' Concerns Over Public Image
A source told The Sun that since his arrest last week, Andrew has been 'ordered not to go horse riding' because it is 'considered a bad look.' The aides reportedly do not want him seen 'grinning and smiling on his horse like he was in Windsor,' especially while under police investigation.
Horse riding was one of the few activities Andrew genuinely enjoyed, raising questions about how he will spend his time now.
Impact on Andrew's Lifestyle and Hobbies
This ban marks another hobby Andrew has had to give up. Last year, he voluntarily surrendered his gun licence to police, ending his participation in activities like clay pigeon shooting. He was regularly seen horse riding around the Windsor estate but has been told to avoid doing so near his current home at Wood Farm, where photographers could easily capture images.
Andrew was recently spotted smiling and waving at passers-by from his car near his former Royal Lodge home in Windsor earlier this month. Later that evening, he was moved to live on King Charles's Sandringham estate, as reported by The Sun. He is expected to move into his new home at neighbouring Marsh Farm by early April.
Broader Context and Public Scrutiny
The ban on horse riding highlights the ongoing public and media scrutiny Andrew faces. His arrest and the subsequent restrictions on his activities reflect the seriousness of the allegations and the royal family's efforts to manage the situation. The move to Sandringham estate is seen as part of a broader strategy to keep him out of the public eye during the investigation.
As the investigation continues, Andrew's future remains uncertain, with potential legal and reputational consequences looming. The royal aides' decision to ban horse riding underscores the delicate balance between personal freedoms and public perception in high-profile cases.
