Buckingham Palace Was Quietly Searched as Police Probe into Andrew Escalates: Source
As the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor intensifies, the shadow over the monarchy has moved from the headlines into the very halls of Buckingham Palace. According to royal journalist Rob Shuter, during his tenure as a working royal and UK trade envoy – a position he held from 2001 to 2010 – the former Prince maintained an office and private rooms within the royal residence. Investigators have now allegedly examined records and devices tied to him and certain former staff members, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing probe into his past activities.
Shuter, in his Naughty But Nice Substack, quoted insiders who shared that the inspection was handled by the book without making a big scene. “It was handled professionally and without spectacle,” a source said, adding, “But make no mistake — they looked.” The move follows the release of a tranche of three million Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. Correspondence within these latest disclosures suggests that the disgraced royal shared confidential trade secrets with the late financier – an allegation that led to his arrest on February 19 on charges of misconduct in public office. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
While the authorities carefully assessed the former Duke's working space, Shuter argued that King Charles and other senior royals remain untouched by the investigation. Meanwhile, people from Mountbatten-Windsor's inner circle suggest he is gearing up for a proactive defense. “He feels isolated — and unfairly singled out. If he thinks he’s being sacrificed, he won’t take it quietly,” a close associate of the former Prince told Shuter. Another insider bluntly stated, “Andrew has never been someone who folds under pressure. If this intensifies, he will fight — and that could rattle more than just him.”
While the current focus is narrow, legal analysts warn that the investigation can change as and when new evidence is found. Whether that happens in this case is still unclear. However, what’s clear is that the ‘drip’ effect of these discoveries has been ‘devastating' for the institution. Writing for Woman & Home, royal reporter Emily Andrews highlighted the disturbing nature of the new disclosures, particularly emails appearing to show young women being ushered into royal residences under the code name ‘Mrs. Windsor.’
“The image of the crown that Andrew now represents – a self-important, boorish and pampered prince – is deeply detrimental to the core royal values of duty, service and selflessness,” wrote Andrews. She suggested that members of the Royal Family are supposed to uphold a high moral example and shouldn’t be facing criminal investigations for trying to get rich off their positions.
The pressure inside the Palace has allegedly reached a boiling point. Days earlier, Charles issued a statement, noting that he would assist with any investigation if asked. However, Andrews argued that passive cooperation may no longer be enough to save the monarchy’s reputation. “Is that good enough though?” the royal reporter questioned, stressing, “For too long it has appeared as if it’s one rule for us, hoi polloi, and another for the super rich and powerful. The Royals are the apex of that.”