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 at about 7pm.
The arrest, the first of a senior royal in modern history, relates to 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 showed Mountbatten-Windsor sharing reports of official visits and a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Police searched his home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor. Searches at Norfolk have concluded, but those at Royal Lodge are continuing. The Home Office was alerted 30 minutes before the arrest, but it is understood neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance.
King Charles expressed 'deepest concern' but said the 'law must take its course', offering full support to the police. Prince William and Catherine are understood to back the king's remarks. Virginia Giuffre's family, whose sister accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse (which he denies), said the arrest showed 'no one is above the law'.
Former US President Donald Trump described the arrest as 'a shame' and 'very sad for the Royal family'. He claimed he had been 'totally exonerated' regarding Epstein.
