Former Duke of York Prince Andrew has vacated the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Castle estate, a move confirmed by Buckingham Palace sources as renewed disclosures from the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to send shockwaves through British political and royal circles.
Andrew, the 65 year old brother of King Charles III, had been expected to leave the residence following the removal of his royal titles last year. Fresh allegations this week relating to inappropriate conduct reportedly accelerated the departure from the monarch’s estate.
UK police acknowledged on Wednesday that they are assessing new information linked to Prince Andrew. Thames Valley Police said they were reviewing reports concerning a woman who was allegedly taken to a Windsor address in 2010 for sexual purposes.
The police stressed that while the allegations are being evaluated under established procedures, no formal complaint has yet been filed by the woman or her legal representative. Authorities reiterated that all reports of sexual offences are treated with the utmost seriousness and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The renewed attention follows claims by a lawyer representing a woman who alleged she spent a night with the then prince before being shown around Buckingham Palace. Prince Andrew has consistently denied all wrongdoing but continues to face pressure to cooperate with investigations in the United States connected to Epstein’s crimes.
Political Fallout in Parliament
The controversy has intensified political turmoil in Westminster, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under sharp attack during Prime Minister’s Questions over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States.
Starmer admitted he regretted appointing Mandelson after revelations emerged about the former diplomat’s close association with Epstein. He told Parliament that Mandelson had repeatedly misled his team regarding the nature of that relationship.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Mandelson will be stripped of his House of Lords seat and removed from the Privy Council. He also authorised the referral of relevant material to the police for criminal investigation, particularly emails allegedly exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein during the period when Mandelson served in government.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that an investigation has been launched into a 72 year old former government minister for suspected misconduct in public office. Police said they would continue to assess all information provided but would not comment further during the investigation.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the government’s vetting process and accused it of failing to act despite Mandelson’s known links to Epstein. The Conservative Party has demanded the release of documents related to his appointment, while the government said it supports transparency except where national security or diplomatic interests may be affected.
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