Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released under investigation after almost 12 hours of questioning. He was photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm GMT. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police, marks the first time a senior member of the royal family has been taken into custody in modern history.
Police searched Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, where Mountbatten-Windsor was staying, as well as his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor. The investigation focuses on allegations that he shared sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. Emails released by the US Justice Department reportedly show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding reports of official visits and a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Afghanistan. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest but stated that “the law must take its course” and offered his “full and wholehearted support and cooperation” to the police. The King made the remarks as he attended an event marking the start of London Fashion Week. Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the King’s position.
Virginia Giuffre’s family welcomed the arrest, stating that “no one is above the law” and thanking Thames Valley Police for their investigation. Maria Farmer, the first known survivor to report Epstein to law enforcement, described the arrest as “the beginning of accountability and justice”. Former US President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame” and “very sad for the royal family”.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the Home Office was alerted 30 minutes before the arrest, but neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance. Searches at the Royal Lodge in Windsor are continuing.
