Prince Andrew Released Under Investigation After Arrest for Misconduct in Public Office
The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been released under investigation following his dramatic arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which marks the first time a senior royal has been detained in modern history, centres on allegations regarding his ties to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Arrest and Immediate Aftermath
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday and taken to Aylsham police station in Norfolk. He was later pictured slouched in the back of a vehicle as he departed the station on Thursday evening. Thames Valley Police confirmed his release under investigation, noting that searches at his property on the Sandringham Estate had concluded, while searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.
The arrest followed the release of millions of files by the US Department of Justice related to the Epstein scandal. Andrew is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Specific allegations include forwarding an email in November 2010 and sending a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province on Christmas Eve 2010.
Royal and Political Reactions
King Charles III expressed his "deepest concern" over the arrest, stating that "the law must take its course" and offering full support to the police. The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to back this statement. Notably, neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed prior to the arrest.
In the United States, President Donald Trump commented on the situation, calling it "very sad" and detrimental to the royal family. He praised King Charles and mentioned an upcoming visit to the US.
Legal and Investigative Context
Misconduct in public office is a serious offence that can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Home Secretary was alerted to the arrest shortly before it occurred, a move clarified by the National Police Chiefs’ Council as routine practice, providing 30 minutes' notice.
Multiple police forces across the UK, including Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire, and Scotland, are reviewing information from the Epstein files. The Metropolitan Police is examining allegations that Andrew’s protection officers ignored his visits to Epstein’s island, Little St James. The National Crime Agency is supporting these probes.
Background and Denials
Andrew, who is eighth in line to the throne, served 22 years in the Royal Navy before becoming the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001. He stepped down in 2011 amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein. While he has denied any wrongdoing regarding his Epstein links, he has not directly addressed the latest allegations.
Despite the arrest, King Charles continued with his royal duties, including ambassadorial audiences at St James’s Palace. Both he and Queen Camilla avoided responding to questions about Andrew during public engagements later in the day.
