Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been released from police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Thames Valley Police confirmed that the 66-year-old was released under investigation after approximately 11 hours in custody. Being released under investigation means he has neither been formally charged nor cleared.
Police said detectives arrested him at his residence in Norfolk as part of an ongoing probe into allegations that he may have shared sensitive trade information with Epstein in 2010, when he was serving as the United Kingdom’s special envoy for international trade. Authorities confirmed that searches were conducted at his home and at an additional property.
In a rare public statement, King Charles III addressed the matter, stating that “the law must take its course,” while declining to comment further as the investigation continues.
The arrest marks an extraordinary development for the British monarchy, representing the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior royal has been taken into custody. The move underscores a significant shift in how legal authorities handle allegations involving members of the Royal Family.
The investigation stems from documents released by U.S. authorities related to the Epstein case, which included correspondence between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein. Police previously said they were assessing whether that correspondence amounted to misconduct in public office. Following further review, a formal investigation was opened.
The allegations under investigation are separate from prior claims made by Virginia Giuffre, who had accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual misconduct. Those civil allegations were previously denied by him and resolved separately. Giuffre died last year.
Legal experts note that suspects in the U.K. are typically held between 12 and 24 hours before either being charged or released pending further inquiries. The maximum detention period without charge is 96 hours, subject to judicial approval.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with his relationship with Epstein. The palace has indicated it will cooperate fully with law enforcement as investigations proceed.
Police have stated they will provide further updates as appropriate while emphasizing the strong public interest surrounding the case.