Ex-Prince Andrew banned from horseback riding due to Epstein scandal

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, has been banned from engaging in one of his favorite hobbies - horse riding.

As reported by Oxu.Az with reference to The Sun, such a strong recommendation was most likely dictated by a royal family advisor in order to avoid a negative image.

The publication's source notes that the ban on Andrew came after he was detained last week, and the Sandringham estate in eastern England, where the ex-prince now lives, is under close media scrutiny.

"It is felt that this [happy horse rides] looks bad. They feel he shouldn't be seen smiling and cheerful on horseback, as he was in Windsor," the newspaper's source added.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19. There is a theory that he may have been disclosing state secrets to American financier and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew is currently released on bail conditions.