“Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain”
When the first unmarked car inched up the back road to Wood Farm on the morning of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, Daily Mirror reporter Patrick Hill was already there.
Eight vehicles in total entered Sandringham Estate to detain the disgraced former prince, who had been stripped of his royal titles by his older brother, King Charles, in November.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Andrew remains in police custody, with Thames Valley Police confirming other addresses are being searched in connection with his arrest under suspicion. of misconduct in public office.
Below, Patrick details how Andrew’s 66th birthday stands in stark contrast to his 40th birthday, which featured a 700‑guest black‑tie party at Windsor Castle:
‘His birthdays have traditionally been lavish events held inside palaces amid revelry and dancing.
‘But any celebration Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have been planning for his 66th birthday was unceremoniously halted at 8am. A procession of eight unmarked cars arrived at his temporary home here in Norfolk, where the former Prince has been living in exile.
‘The occupants, all plain-clothed police officers, were seen arriving via a back road at Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate. Then at 8.50am, three vehicles, including a Range Rover believed to be Andrew’s private car, left the address via the same back road heading to the village of Babingley.
‘Barely an hour later, Thames Valley Police released a statement saying they had arrested a man aged in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They added the man was now in police custody and they are carrying out searches at homes in Norfolk and Berkshire.
‘The arrest was instantly world news. More and more media began arriving at the entrance to Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm after his arrest was announced. So much so that shortly before 1pm media were assigned a neighbouring field to park their cars in due to fears of a blocked road. By 1pm there were no fewer than 23 vehicles, including a TV satellite truck.
‘At least four separate forces are also assessing the details of flights by Andrew’s old pal Epstein’s “Lolita Express” jet in and out of UK airports in the UK. As part of their inquiries officers are examining whether women, including then 17-year-old Virginia Guiffre, were trafficked to the UK by Epstein.
‘The raidwas a world away from Andrew’s former life and his previous birthday celebrations, which have often come on the slopes of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts. He formally celebrated his 40th at a black-tie bash, dubbed the Dance of the Decades, at Windsor Castle alongside 700 guests, including fellow royals, celebs, and his paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
‘It came after a private ride on the London Eye in front of cheering crowds and a £30,000 ‘This Is Your Life’ party at his former Sunninghill Park mansion in Ascot, organised by his former wife Sarah Ferguson. His 50th included a trip to Swiss ski resort Verbier and two parties, including one at St James’ Palace and another at Buckingham Palace, which featured a performance by the English National Ballet and was attended by the late Queen and Prince Philip.
‘Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The former prince is currently living in Wood Farm while renovations to his soon to be permanent home at nearby Marsh Farm are complete. Scores of media arrived at the entrance to the estate since news broke of Andrew’s arrest.
‘Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain. Andrew’s 66th is a birthday he will never forget.’












