The former Duke of York had been under a ban over fears it 'looked bad'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been captured on horseback for the first time since his exile from Windsor earlier this year.

The 66-year-old former royal was spotted this week riding across the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, dressed in a blue shirt, according to The Sun.

The horses he has been riding were dispatched from Windsor by the King, though they are only available to him for a limited period, the outlet reports.

A source close to the situation told the newspaper: "He's bored rigid so even getting his horse for a few days is better than sitting around doing nothing."

The insider added: "He was regularly riding when he lived in Windsor because it gave him chance to get outside."

Royal aides had imposed the riding ban over fears the former Duke of York being photographed on horseback would be a "bad look" while he remains under police investigation over allegations he leaked sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February and released under investigation.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The former prince left Royal Lodge, his residence of more than 20 years, in February, after being removed by the King.

Before relocating to Sandringham, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was frequently seen riding around the Windsor estate.

Since his removal, Andrew has resided at Marsh Farm, where he has largely withdrawn from public view.

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Last month marked his first appearance at a public event since February, when he attended an equestrian competition featuring the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The former trade envoy was stripped of his royal titles last year amid the continuing fallout from his association with the convicted paedophile.

The police inquiry into his conduct is also now broadening in scope.

British detectives are preparing to travel to the United States as part of the expanding investigation, where they intend to meet with relatives of Virginia Giuffre.

The family of Ms Giuffre said they are "actively working" to bring the former duke in front of a Parliamentary hearing, similar to the Congressional proceedings in the US.

"I think the UK is at a really pivotal moment. I could see the same structure starting to get created there with the House Oversight Committee here," Skye Roberts, Ms Giuffre's brother, explained.

"There are a lot of things going on with Parliament. We are actively working behind the scenes to guide that. Stay tuned.

"One hundred per cent, you will be seeing lots of UK stuff coming forward."

The plans could see Mr Mountbatten-Windsor be called upon as a witness.

Ms Giuffre, who accused Mr Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual misconduct, took her own life last year at the age of 41.

In 2022, she received a multimillion-pound payment from Andrew through an out-of-court settlement, though he did not accept any liability as part of the agreement.