Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, was released from police custody on Thursday evening after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, had been questioned all day by detectives from Thames Valley Police. Earlier this month, the police force said it was looking into allegations that he had passed documents to the late convicted sex offender while working as a trade envoy. The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the development in a statement after Andrew left a police station following his arrest.
“Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office,” the force said.
“On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“The arrested man has now been released under investigation.
“We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”
It is understood that police searches in Berkshire are still underway. The force said it would not be making any further statements at this time.
Andrew, whose full name is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has faced sustained public scrutiny in recent years over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The latest arrest marks a significant escalation in legal pressure surrounding the Duke.
Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, described Andrew’s appearance following the arrest.
“He looked dazed, he looked shell-shocked, he was slouching down,” she told BBC News.
The photograph of him leaving custody reminded many of his “extraordinary fall from grace,” Anderson said, adding that the day’s events would leave the Royal Family feeling “bruised” and “shattered.”
‘THE LAW MUST TAKE ITS COURSE’
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles said in a statement.
Although Buckingham Palace was not informed in advance about the arrest, Charles said the authorities had the family’s “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the monarch said in his statement.
“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
