Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from police custody hours after he was arrested earlier on Thursday while police conducted an investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, the BBC reported—as pressure on the ex-royal builds after more ties to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were revealed in files released by the Justice Department.
Key Takeaways
- In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
- Andrew was not named by police, citing “national guidance,” but was identified as the arrested man by the BBC and Associated Press on Thursday.
- Hours later, photos from Reuters showed the British royal leaving Aylsham Police Station while slinking down in the back seat of an SUV.
- In an update later on Thursday, the Thames Valley Police said the individual in question was “released under investigation” after police finished a search in Norfolk, but a search in Berkshire was still ongoing.
- Misconduct in public office could lead to a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service.
- Public officers include judges, police constables, members of Parliament, civil servants, army officers and other office holders—and Andrew served as a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
- Andrew, a longtime associate of Epstein, appeared to send the financier emails about his official trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the BBC reported, as well as a confidential briefing about investment in reconstruction in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2010.
- According to the BBC, unmarked police cars were seen on Thursday morning arriving in Andrew’s home on Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England.
- There are no charges against Andrew as of Thursday afternoon and the former Royal has “strenuously denied any wrongdoing” in matters related to Epstein.
Crucial Quote
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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.”
How Has King Charles Responded?
In a statement to the BBC, King Charles said: “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. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
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. Charles R.” The king was not informed of Andrew’s arrest before it took place, multiple outlets reported.
Queen Camilla continued with her planned engagements, and attended a lunchtime orchestral concert in Westminster, London. She did not respond to questions about Andrew, the BBC reported.
King Charles also did not respond to questions from reporters when he appeared in public later on Thursday. The monarch attended a London Fashion Week show for British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker hours after Andrew’s arrest, where he sat front row.
How Has The Royal Family Responded?
In addition to the King’s statement, his wife Queen Camilla appeared to continue with her planned engagements for the day. She attended a lunchtime orchestral concert in Westminster, London, according to the BBC. The King’s son, Prince William, and his wife Catherine, said they support his statement, according to Sky News.
How Did Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s Family React?
“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s family said in a statement, thanking Thames Valley Police for the investigation and arrest. Giuffre sued Andrew n the U.S. in 2021 alleging sexual assault, and later settled the case out of court in 2022. Details of the settlement was not disclosed, but British media reported the ex-royal paid between $12 million and $15 million to settle the suit. Andrew repeatedly denied the sexual assault claims. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025. “He was a never a prince,” Giuffre’s family said.
What To Watch For
According to the BBC, in cases like this suspects can be held by police in the U.K. for 12 to 24 hours before being charged or released pending further investigation. The report noted that the police may be able to seek extensions that at most extend Andrew’s stay in custody up to 96 hours. It is, however, unclear what prompted the sudden arrest of the former British royal and if the police had found any evidence to charge him.
Surprising Fact
Andrew’s arrest coincides with his 66th birthday. This is his first birthday since he was stripped of his Royal titles last year.
Key Background
The most recent tranche of Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department included photos of several influential figures, including Andrew. The former prince appeared in several photos where he appears to be crouching on all fours over a woman, whose face is redacted, while he looks into the camera. Another photo shows him touching the woman’s abdomen. The documents also included conversations between Andrew and Epstein, including a 2010 email where the convicted sex offender wrote to the former royal saying: “I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with.” Andrew responded by telling Epstein he “would be delighted to see her.” The Guardian reported that files also included emails where the former Royal shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. A December 2010 email sent by Andrew included a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand province, Afghanistan.
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