Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday morning at his home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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 conducted searches at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate and at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. The investigation relates to allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. Emails reportedly showed him sharing details of official visits and a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Mountbatten-Windsor was questioned for nearly 12 hours at Aylsham Police Station before being released under investigation on Thursday evening. He was photographed leaving the station in a car. Searches at the Royal Lodge are ongoing, while those in Norfolk have concluded.
King Charles expressed his 'deepest concern' over the arrest but stated that the 'law must take its course' and that police have his 'full and wholehearted support and cooperation'. The King did not respond to questions on the matter as he attended a London Fashion Week event. Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the King's remarks.
Virginia Giuffre's family, who accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse—allegations he denies—said the arrest shows 'no one is above the law'. Maria Farmer, the first known survivor to report Epstein and Maxwell, called it 'the beginning of accountability and justice'. Former US President Donald Trump described the arrest as 'a shame' and 'very sad' for the Royal family.
