Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released on Thursday afternoon (19) after spending around 11 hours in police custody in the United Kingdom, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The information was confirmed by Thames Valley Police, which is conducting the investigation into developments in the case involving Andrew and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Without officially mentioning the name of the former prince, the corporation reported that a man “in his early sixties”, arrested in the morning in the county of Norfolk, was released under investigation, while investigations continue. The identity was not disclosed due to UK national guidelines, which advise police forces not to make the names of suspects public at the time of arrest, except in exceptional situations. Despite this, images published by the press showed Andrew leaving the police station in the back seat of a vehicle, after giving a statement to the authorities.
According to the BBCthe former prince’s arrest took place at his property in Sandringham, where he took up residence after leaving the Royal Lodge in Windsor. The broadcaster also reported that agents searched addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk counties as part of the investigation into Andrew’s relationship with Epstein.
British authorities are investigating alleged misconduct linked to the period in which Andrew served as the United Kingdom’s special envoy for trade and investment. The investigation gained new momentum after the release, by the United States Department of Justice, of thousands of files related to the Epstein case. The documents would have indicated the possible transfer of sensitive information by Andrew to Epstein during this period.
Thames Valley Police said the investigation remains ongoing and no further details will be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the process.
“It is important to protect the objectivity of the investigation,” said Deputy Chief Oliver Wright, according to an official statement.
King Charles III spoke out after his brother’s arrest. In a statement to BBCCharles said he received the news with “deep concern” and stated that “what now follows is the full, fair and appropriate process by which this matter will be investigated by the competent authorities.” The monarch added that the authorities will have “full and unconditional support and cooperation”.
Andrew, who lost titles and official duties after his involvement in the Epstein case came to light, denies the allegations made against him.
