Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody following his arrest on Thursday (19 February) on suspicion of misconduct in public office. A newly released photo shows the former prince departing Aylsham Police Station in Aylsham, England, seated in the backseat of a vehicle.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Mountbatten-Windsor, a man in his sixties from Norfolk, has been released under investigation. The force said in a statement that searches in Norfolk have concluded, while searches in Berkshire are still ongoing.
Thames Valley Police added that it will not be making any further statements at this time.
Police have been looking into allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly Prince Andrew – shared sensitive information with the billionaire and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.
Britain's King Charles III has stressed that “the law must take its course” after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, insisting a full, fair and proper investigation be carried out by the appropriate authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the King said "a full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities" would follow.
He added that the authorities would have the Royal Family’s "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" as the matter proceeds.
"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," he stressed.
The King said it would not be appropriate for him to comment further while the process continues.
"Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all," the statement concluded.
The family of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s longtime accuser, Virginia Giuffre, said Thursday that the disgraced royal’s arrest “lifted” their broken hearts.
“At last,” the now-deceased accuser’s two siblings and their spouses said in a statement following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest in the U.K.
“Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the U.K.’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
Giuffre had long alleged that pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell forced her to have sex with Andrew at least three times, starting when she was 17.
The then-prince vehemently denied the claims, which ultimately led to him losing his royal titles and even his home.
In February 2022, Andrew settled a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Giuffre in New York for more than $12 million, while maintaining that the payment was not an admission of wrongdoing.
Virginia Giuffre died by suicide last year.
Thames Valley Police said a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with searches under way at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
He remains in custody and police said they would not name him under national guidance.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had “opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office” and stressed the need to “protect the integrity and objectivity” of the inquiry.
He acknowledged “significant public interest” and said updates would follow when appropriate. Thames Valley Police did not provide the name of the arrested man but British media claims the man arrested on Thursday is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Outlets reported that six unmarked police cars and around eight plain clothed officers arrived at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in eastern England earlier in the day before the detention took place.
Thames Valley Police said earlier this month that officers were assessing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor had passed confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein, based on material recently released by the U.S. government.
Mountbatten-Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth, has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has said he regrets their friendship.
He has not responded to requests for comment since the latest files emerged.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier di...
Iran said it has received overtures from regional mediators aimed at de-escalating the ongoing military standoff between Tehran and Washington....
Music icons Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy performed during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, bringing a Super Bowl-style spectacle to foot...
New developments linked to Jeffrey Epstein have brought renewed attention to his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell and billionaire Bill Gates. Maxwell is seeking to overturn her conviction, while Gates testified before Congress about his past interactions with the late financier.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A federal judge in New York released a handwritten document described as a suicide note purportedly written by late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, nearly seven years after his death in a Manhattan jail cell. The document was released late Wednesday (6 May).
British lawmakers on Tuesday voted against launching an inquiry into whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer misled Parliament over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S.
Lionel Messi's Argentina face Spain in World Cup final with history on the line. Spain and Argentina meet on Sunday in the 2026 World Cup final, bringing together the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
At least six people were killed and 21 others injured after two earthquakes struck Peru's central Junín region, destroying dozens of homes and triggering a major emergency response.
The United States launched fresh strikes against Iran after two U.S. service members were killed in Jordan. U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to the fallen troops as Iran warned of further escalation.
Kylian Mbappé has become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on more than one occasion. The French forward won the award presented to the top goalscorer of the tournament for the second time, despite France being knocked out in the semi-finals.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
Music icons Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy performed during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, bringing a Super Bowl-style spectacle to football's biggest stage. More than 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium watched the landmark performance.
The Philippines and China traded accusations on Monday after their vessels clashed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila said a Philippine sailor was injured, while Beijing claimed Philippine forces started the confrontation.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising fears of further regional escalation and possible disruption to global energy supplies and key shipping routes.
Thailand plans to complete a 250-kilometre section of a high-speed railway linking the country with China by 2030, as Bangkok strengthens transport links and strategic ties with Beijing.
Azerbaijan has rejected suggestions it played any official role in reported private talks between former German politicians and Russian representatives in Baku, saying the meetings were organised independently.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment