Prince Andrew Banned from Horse Riding at Sandringham Amid Police Probe
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been banned from horse riding around King Charles's Sandringham estate, as royal aides fear it presents a poor public image while he remains under police investigation. The 66-year-old was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to allegations of leaking secrets to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy.
Arrest and Estate Restrictions
Andrew was released under investigation after 11 hours in custody, with police confirming the conclusion of searches at his former Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge. Following his move to Sandringham three weeks ago, insiders revealed that he has now been instructed to cease horse riding around his new residence at Wood Farm, where photographers have congregated since his arrest. A source stated, "Since his arrest last week, he has been ordered not to go horse riding. It's considered a bad look."
Public Backlash and Royal Response
The ban comes after Andrew was seen cheerily greeting the public while riding near Royal Lodge in late January, and waving from his Range Rover days later. These incidents were described as potentially the "final straw" in a turbulent period, with critics arguing that such behavior is inappropriate given ongoing revelations about his communications with Epstein and accusations regarding his personal life. King Charles had previously removed Andrew from Royal Lodge shortly after these public appearances, amid continued outrage over the Epstein links.
Political Developments and Criticism
In parallel, MPs recently backed a motion from the Liberal Democrats calling for the release of documents related to Andrew's appointment as a trade envoy in 2001. Trade minister Chris Bryant condemned Andrew's actions, labeling him as engaged in a "self-enriching hustle" and criticizing his "self-aggrandisement." The government has indicated it will not obstruct efforts to shed light on the role, though some documents may be withheld due to the active police investigation.
Ongoing Denials and Legal Context
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing concerning his association with Epstein, but has not directly addressed the latest allegations. His titles were stripped last year after emails surfaced questioning his previous claims about severing ties with the disgraced financier. As the investigation progresses, the restrictions on his activities at Sandringham highlight the broader scrutiny and fallout from this high-profile case.
