According to The Sun, a “new ban” has been imposed on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with royal aides claiming it has significantly affected how he spends his free time as the police investigation continues.
The 66-year-old was detained by plain-clothed Thames Valley Police officers on 19 February at Wood Farm in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed allegations that he shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2001 and 2011, during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.
Police have since completed searches at both Wood Farm and Royal Lodge in Berkshire, where Andrew had been living with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, until King Charles ordered him to vacate the property in October. Authorities confirmed earlier that the investigation remains “ongoing.”
Andrew has denied all wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
A Ban on Horse Riding
In the latest development, Andrew has reportedly been instructed not to ride his horse. Royal insiders told The Sun that advisers feared images of him on horseback would send the wrong message during such a sensitive period.
“Since his arrest last week, he has been ordered not to go horse riding,” a source claimed. “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?”
The restriction was reportedly introduced earlier this week, just hours before Members of Parliament supported calls for the release of documents linked to his alleged misconduct.
Political Pressure Mounts
On 24 February, Liberal Democrats raised the issue in the House of Commons, with Labour MPs voting in favor of making related files public.
Trade minister Chris Bryant told Parliament the government would comply “as soon as practicable and possible within law,” pledging “maximum transparency and timeliness.” However, he stressed that any disclosure must not interfere with the active police investigation.
“Where documents may speak materially to the offence of misconduct in public office, or any other offence that may be considered by police, we will have to follow the advice of prosecuting authorities,” he explained.