Prince Andrew Arrested Over Alleged Misconduct in Public Office, Released Under Investigation

Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office, Released Under Investigation

Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following an investigation linked to alleged dealings connected to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The 66-year-old royal was detained at approximately 08:00 GMT on Thursday at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. He was later photographed leaving Aylsham police station in the back seat of a vehicle shortly after 19:00 GMT.

In a statement issued Thursday evening, Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities later confirmed he had been released under investigation. Police searches in Norfolk have concluded, while inquiries in Berkshire remain ongoing.

The arrest follows the force’s assessment of a complaint regarding the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with Epstein. The complaint reportedly emerged in connection with the release of millions of Epstein-related files earlier this year.

Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

King Charles Responds

King Charles III was attending a public engagement in central London when news of the arrest broke. When asked for his reaction, the King did not respond directly to reporters. Later, a statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The law must take its course.”

Sources indicate that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are supportive of the King’s position.

It is understood that the King was not informed in advance of his brother’s arrest.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers executed searches at properties in Norfolk and Berkshire, including Royal Lodge in Windsor, where Andrew had lived until recently. Footage earlier in the day showed officers stationed at the gates of the property.

Eyewitnesses reported that a black Range Rover arrived at Aylsham police investigation centre in the evening. Shortly afterwards, Andrew was seen reclining in the back seat as the vehicle departed the premises.

Maria Farmer, one of the first known survivors to report Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to authorities, issued a statement describing the arrest as “the beginning of accountability.”

Meanwhile, relatives of Virginia Giuffre also spoke publicly. Giuffre previously alleged that Andrew had sexual relations with her when she was a teenager, claims he has strongly denied it. The two parties reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022.

Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, told the BBC that “no one has a separate set of laws,” commending the King’s public stance on allowing due legal process.

Misconduct in public office is a criminal offence under UK law. It typically applies to public officials accused of wilfully neglecting their duties or abusing their position in a way that amounts to serious wrongdoing. It does not automatically imply sexual offences but may involve alleged misuse of authority or confidential information.

The arrest marks another dramatic chapter in the prolonged scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s past associations. While he has stepped back from public royal duties in recent years, the investigation raises fresh legal and reputational questions for the monarchy.

Police say no further updates will be provided at this time.