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Prince Andrew Investigation: Royal Lodge Under Heavy Police Guard

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 14:14 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES

Windsor, UK - February 20, 2026 - Weeks after the arrest of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in connection with his long-standing ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park remains under heavy police guard. The continued and substantial security presence signals the investigation is far from over, fueling speculation about the future of the Prince and its potential ramifications for the British monarchy.

The arrest, which occurred on January 27th, 2026, sent shockwaves through the UK and beyond. Though authorities have maintained a strict veil of secrecy regarding the specifics of the charges, sources close to the investigation indicate they center around allegations of Prince Andrew's involvement in facilitating Epstein's abuse and potential knowledge of the criminal enterprise. This is not a re-opening of previously aired allegations; rather, new evidence - reportedly discovered during a comprehensive review of previously submitted materials and new witness testimony obtained internationally - triggered the arrest.

Royal Lodge, a sprawling estate owned by the Crown Estate, has served as Prince Andrew's primary residence since 2004. He shares the property with his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The extensive grounds and large residence have become an unofficial base of operations for the investigative team. While Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have largely maintained a low profile, sources suggest they are cooperating with the investigation, albeit with a focus on protecting their mother and understanding the full scope of the allegations against their father.

The circumstances surrounding Prince Andrew's initial withdrawal from royal duties in 2019 remain fresh in the public memory. A particularly damaging interview with BBC Newsnight, where he attempted to defend his friendship with Epstein, was widely criticized as tone-deaf and lacking empathy for victims. The fallout from that interview led to his removal from official engagements and a significant tarnishing of his public image. This latest development, however, is far more serious, potentially carrying criminal consequences.

"The scale of the police operation at Royal Lodge is unprecedented," stated Eleanor Vance, a royal commentator for The Times. "It's not simply a matter of gathering documents. We're seeing forensic teams, evidence specialists, and a constant rotation of personnel. This suggests they are looking for more than just corroborating evidence - they're potentially searching for evidence that directly links Prince Andrew to criminal activity."

The impact of this ongoing investigation extends beyond the immediate family. The monarchy, already navigating a period of transition with King Charles and Queen Camilla, is facing renewed scrutiny. Public trust in the institution, which has weathered numerous storms in recent years, is again being tested. The Crown Estate, responsible for managing a vast portfolio of land and property, is also under pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability.

Legal experts suggest Prince Andrew could face a range of charges, potentially including conspiracy to commit sexual assault, aiding and abetting, and obstruction of justice. Extradition requests could also be made, depending on the evidence gathered and the legal jurisdictions involved. The US Department of Justice has remained publicly silent but is believed to be closely monitoring the situation.

The Duchess of York's position is also precarious. While not directly implicated in any wrongdoing, her continued presence at Royal Lodge and her close relationship with Prince Andrew are raising questions. There is speculation that she may be asked to provide further testimony or even relocate to facilitate the investigation.

Looking ahead, the future of Prince Andrew remains deeply uncertain. Even if he avoids criminal conviction, his position within the monarchy is likely untenable. A complete severance of ties and a relinquishing of his royal titles seem increasingly probable. The ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the Royal Family for years to come, prompting a re-evaluation of protocols concerning associations with individuals accused of serious crimes.