Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been banned from horse riding following his recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Royal aides fear that images of him riding could damage his public image amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations that he leaked sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Previously a frequent rider at Windsor, he has now been ordered to avoid this hobby at his new Sandringham residence, leaving him largely housebound except for the company of his dogs. He has also voluntarily surrendered his gun licence, further limiting his activities.

The allegations against Mountbatten-Windsor relate to sharing confidential reports from official visits during his tenure as UK trade envoy. The issue has been raised in Parliament, with calls to remove him from the line of succession and demands for the release of related documents, though some remain withheld due to the police investigation. While he denies any wrongdoing concerning his Epstein connections, he has not directly addressed the latest accusations. The government is reportedly working swiftly on legislation to formally remove him from royal duties.