Prince Andrew Reportedly Banned from Horse Riding During Police Investigation
Royal aides have reportedly imposed a horse riding ban on Prince Andrew as he faces a police investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. According to sources, officials warned the former prince that being seen enjoying equestrian activities would create a "bad look" while under criminal investigation.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police last Thursday, which coincided with his 66th birthday. The former prince underwent eleven hours of questioning before being released to return to his residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. The investigation centers on allegations that he shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy.
A source familiar with the situation revealed: "Since his arrest last week he has been ordered not to go horse riding. It's considered a bad look. They don't think he should be seen grinning and smiling on his horse like he was in Windsor. But it was one of the few things he actually enjoyed doing so what on earth is he going to do with his time?"
Political Fallout and Government Response
The British government has agreed to release files detailing Prince Andrew's appointment as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. This decision followed unanimous parliamentary support for a Liberal Democrat motion calling for transparency regarding his vetting process and any correspondence involving former business secretary Peter Mandelson.
Conservative minister Alex Burghart stated in Parliament that it was "possible to identify the hand of Epstein" in Prince Andrew's original appointment to the trade envoy position. Meanwhile, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant delivered a scathing assessment, describing the former prince as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" engaged in a "constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle."
Historical Concerns About His Conduct
Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, shared insights from her previous role as communications director at the British Council, where she witnessed Prince Andrew's visits as trade envoy firsthand. She told the Commons: "Before his arrival, senior staff in both the embassy and the British Council were rolling their eyes – his reputation preceded him. I was told it was a containment exercise, that overseas missions feared putting him out there in case he said something inappropriate."
Harding continued: "Rather than looking forward to his visit as an opportunity to play up Britain, instead, it was thought that he would do damage." She noted that despite these concerns, Prince Andrew remained in his diplomatic position for a decade, with worries about his conduct being "met with a shrug."
Police Investigation Progress
Thames Valley Police announced on Tuesday evening that officers had concluded searching Prince Andrew's former residence, the Royal Lodge in Berkshire. The week-long raid followed his arrest last week. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated: "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."
Wright emphasized: "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."
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his connections with Jeffrey Epstein but has not commented on the recent developments in the case. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the reported horse riding restrictions or the ongoing investigation.
