Prince Andrew Released Under Investigation Following Arrest on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, confirmed by Thames Valley Police, marks a significant development in an ongoing inquiry linked to allegations concerning the sharing of confidential information.

The former senior royal was detained on Thursday morning and later photographed leaving Aylsham Police Investigation Centre in Norfolk shortly after 19:00 GMT. Images showed him reclining in the back seat of a vehicle as it departed the station. In an official statement, Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk had been arrested and subsequently released under investigation. The force added that searches conducted in Norfolk had concluded, while inquiries in Berkshire remain ongoing. No further details have been provided at this stage.

The arrest follows a review of a complaint regarding allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential material with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The claims relate to Andrew’s former role as a UK trade envoy, a position that carried strict confidentiality obligations. Emails disclosed in the United States earlier this year reportedly reference communications dating back to 2010. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not responded publicly to specific allegations tied to the recent release of documents.

King Charles III issued a statement expressing “the deepest concern” over his brother’s arrest. Emphasizing respect for the legal process, the King stated that “the law must take its course” and pledged full cooperation with authorities. He was not informed in advance of the arrest and continued with scheduled public engagements in London, including appearances at official events. The Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the King’s position. Representatives for Prince Harry declined to comment.

Reactions from individuals connected to Epstein’s victims have also emerged. Family members of the late Virginia Giuffre—who previously alleged that Andrew had sexual relations with her as a teenager, claims he has always denied—described the arrest as a significant moment. In 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre without any admission of liability.

Legal experts note that misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence in England and Wales, typically involving a public official accused of willfully neglecting their duties or abusing their position. Police have not indicated that the arrest relates to allegations of sexual offences. Under UK law, authorities are limited in what they can disclose during an active investigation to protect the integrity of potential proceedings and the right to a fair trial.

The development presents a profound challenge for the Royal Family. Although Prince Andrew stepped back from official duties in 2019 and was later stripped of honorary military titles and royal patronages, he remains the King’s brother and a son of the late Queen Elizabeth II. As investigations continue, the case underscores the broader principle articulated by the King: that no individual is above the law, and due process must prevail.