Prince Andrew has been questioned by police in connection with allegations of misconduct in public office, marking the first time a royal has been arrested in over three centuries. The former prince was released under investigation after several hours in custody, following a search of properties in Norfolk and Berkshire.
Early Morning Arrest for Disgraced Former Prince
Thames Valley Police officers arrested the Duke of York at 8 a.m. local time on Thursday at Sandringham’s Wood Farm, where he has been residing since being asked to leave Royal Lodge. He officially relocated to the five-bedroom cottage on February 2.
The arrest, according to Thames Valley Police, was “on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” Authorities have not provided further details, but questions have been raised regarding whether the former prince shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but has not publicly addressed the recent document-sharing allegations. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, sent an invitation to Epstein for a birthday party celebrating Andrew in 2006, though Epstein did not attend as he was under house arrest at the time.
News Goes Global as Police Announce Andrew’s Arrest
By 10 a.m., news of the arrest had broken. Thames Valley Police announced they had arrested a man – who they did not name – and were carrying out searches “at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Business as Usual for the King, Despite Brother’s Arrest
As a search was underway at Andrew’s former home in Windsor, King Charles issued a statement. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” he said. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Queen Camilla continued with planned engagements, arriving at Westminster for an event and waving to reporters who inquired about the arrest without offering a response.
Unanswered Questions About Andrew’s Time in Custody
At 6:50 p.m. local time, a black Range Rover arrived at the police station in Aylsham, Norfolk. Shortly after 7 p.m., the vehicle departed with Mountbatten-Windsor inside, appearing “shell-shocked” according to a photographer.
Police have not released details regarding his time in custody, including the questions asked or any statements made. It is also unknown if the searches of properties linked to the former royal yielded any relevant evidence.
In a statement released almost 12 hours after his arrest, Thames Valley Police announced he had been released “under investigation.” Being “released under investigation” means a person is suspected of committing a criminal offence, but the police do not have enough evidence to lay charges. Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged with any offence.
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