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.
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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.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday as Türkiye stepped up efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Andy Burnham has been elected leader of Britain's governing Labour Party, clearing the way to become the country's next prime minister on Monday. The 56-year-old pledged to spread power beyond Westminster, revive neglected communities and counter the rise of Reform UK.
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