Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation after almost 12 hours of questioning by police in Norfolk. The former prince, previously known as Prince Andrew, was photographed leaving Aylsham police station in the back of a car on Thursday evening.
The arrest came at around 8am at his home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police also searched the property and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, as part of an investigation into his dealings with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents released by the US justice department allegedly showed Mountbatten-Windsor sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore, as well as a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while he served as a UK trade envoy. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his younger brother, but said the “law must take its course” and that police had his “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are understood to support the King’s remarks. Neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest.
Virginia Giuffre’s family issued a statement saying the arrest showed “no one is above the law” and thanked Thames Valley police. Maria Farmer, the first known survivor to report Epstein and Maxwell to law enforcement, said “today is just the beginning of accountability and justice”. Donald Trump described the arrest as “a shame” and “very sad” for the Royal family.
Thames Valley police confirmed the man was released under investigation, with searches at Royal Lodge continuing. The Home Office was alerted 30 minutes before the arrest, in line with routine practice, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
