British detectives are continuing searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home following his release from custody after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He was detained for around 11 hours yesterday following allegations that he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

Royal historian and author Andrew Lownie told Behind the Story this marks a pivotal moment for the British royal family.

“I do think this is the monarchy’s ‘Me Too’ moment and we’re now getting a new monarchy,” he said.

“I hope one [that is] fit for purpose for the 21st century, one open to accountability and transparency.”

Mr Lownie said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as a UK trade envoy had no proper oversight.

“No one quite really knew what to do with him, no one wanted him there, so he was kind of sometimes imposed,” he said.

“[His ex-wife] Sarah Ferguson would carry along on his coattails picking up business cards as she went along.

“There was no proper oversight – and when people did raise questions, saying the expenses are enormous, there were told the Queen has okayed it.”

Turning public opinion

Mr Lownie said the royal family has essentially turned its back on the former prince.

“Andrew’s going to have to take the brunt of this… I suspect public opinion will now be asking other questions about what was known, when it was known and what they did about it.”

Mr Lownie said there may still be more questions for King Charles, who has promised “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with authorities, to answer.

“The King is bankrolling him…but if he is going to cooperate with authorities, I think perhaps he could be a little bit clearer about what he knew, when he knew it and what was done.”

Mr Lownie added that while he believes his 2025 book, ‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York’, “loosened the earth” around Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the release of the Epstein files “have just tipped the thing over – I mean there’s no way back now”.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.

Fran and Maggie also explore how the photo of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor being driven away from the police station, which made global frontpages was taken and who was behind it.

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