Why a swift resolution in Andrew probe is considered unlikely | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Conversation Original report by Robert HazellTuesday 24 February 2026 12:04 GMTPM confirms government are considering succession of Andrew Mountbatten-WindsorAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but a swift resolution to his case is considered unlikely.The charge of misconduct in public office is a vague common law offence, not defined by statute, which complicates the prosecution's task.Police investigations are expected to be lengthy, involving extensive searches of Epstein files and UK government records from Mountbatten-Windsor's tenure as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.Multiple police forces, including Thames Valley, Metropolitan, Essex, and Surrey Police, are assessing claims related to the Epstein files, some for potential trafficking offences.Further delays are anticipated due to the time required for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider the complex case and a significant backlog of nearly 80,000 cases in Crown Courts, potentially pushing any trial to 2030.In fullThree issues with the Misconduct in Public Office probe against AndrewThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in