Reporters from around the globe have descended on the area since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his home there on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He then spent the day - his 66th birthday - at Aylsham police station, before his release in the early evening, when he returned to Wood Farm, his temporary lodgings on his brother's estate.

With the police search of the property seemingly over and no sign of the former royal himself, dozens of reporters - from as far afield as the US - have been canvassing bemused locals for their thoughts.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office (Image: Toby Melville/PA Wire)

One man who lives in nearby Dersingham said the former prince's arrest was “unfortunate”.

The man, who preferred to remain anonymous, described his reaction to the former duke’s arrest as “difficult”.

“They’re certainly hounding him, alright. Obviously there’s something to look at.”

Asked about the mood in the village, he replied: “It’s very difficult to judge, everybody’s got a different view. Only time will tell.

“I think it’s unfortunate. His brother the King is very diplomatic.

“It’s what you would expect from him. He’s always very meticulous and careful what he says,” the resident added.

A couple walking on the estate, who did not give their names, said they found the King’s response following news of his brother’s arrest “pretty brutal”.

A black car was seen driving in and out of the grounds today (February 20) (Image: Matthew Senior)

Following the arrest, the King released a statement saying “the law must take its course” and expressing his “deepest concern”.

The man added: "He’s distancing himself."

“He needs to be, though,” his partner added.

“They’ve made it quite clear they don’t want to stand by his side.”

The man continued: “I think William is taking over the reins more so, ready for when he takes over. I think probably a lot of things will change.”

Another person, seen walking around the estate, stated their belief that there are “a lot of questions to be asked”.

A dog walker, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she expected members of the royal family to “be honourable”.

“I think the more you have that the ordinary people don’t get, the more money or privilege, the more you’ve got to have wisdom.

“There’s an onus and a duty, and you expect them to honour them, to be honourable, and so when you hear things like that about a member of the royal family, it’s stomach-churning."

Recalling the reign of Andrew’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, she added: “There isn’t the same deference anymore.”

The press pack has been camped outside the entrance to Wood Farm.

Two uniformed police officers looked on as they stood next to a wall by the churchyard at St Peter church in Wolferton.

A nearby field was being used for parking to keep the road clear.

At one point a black Range Rover left Wood Farm and later returned.

Earlier a marked police van circled through the village, along a lane past reporters.

© Eastern Daily Press