Former Prince Andrew Released After Arrest on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
– Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released from police custody on Thursday evening after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is connected to an investigation into allegations surrounding his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties – understood to be Mountbatten-Windsor – had been released while the investigation continues. Police searches in Norfolk have concluded, but will continue in Berkshire, according to the statement.
The investigation was opened “following a thorough assessment” of information, police said, adhering to standard U.K. Law by initially not naming the suspect. The former prince is 66 years old.
The arrest stems from scrutiny of reports that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential trade information with Epstein in 2010. This followed the release of millions of pages of documents related to the U.S. Investigation into Epstein’s activities.
King Charles III responded to the news with “deepest concern,” stating, “the law must take its course.” He added, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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.”
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles some time before the arrest. The allegations being investigated are separate from previous claims made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to Britain and sexually abused by the former prince. Giuffre died by suicide last year.
The arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor follows years of allegations regarding his association with Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019. While Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, concerns about their relationship have persisted for over a decade.
Relatives of Virginia Giuffre welcomed the arrest, though the current investigation centers on different allegations than those previously brought forth by Giuffre.
King Charles III was seen at London Fashion Week on Thursday, the same day as his brother’s arrest. The King’s public appearance came as news of the arrest was unfolding.
The Thames Valley Police are assessing reports related to the sharing of trade reports with Epstein, according to reports. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.
