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.
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are m...
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday...
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million...
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 18 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of science.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
A small container of lunar soil travelled more than 380,000 kilometres from the far side of the Moon to Earth two years ago. It recently made one more journey - from Beijing to Vienna, where China officially handed it over to the United Nations.
Russian authorities have reported attacks on voting systems and communication lines as the country’s parliamentary election entered its second day on Saturday (19 September).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a new eight-nation grouping aimed at boosting trade, energy and security cooperation across central and eastern Europe. Here's what you need to know.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment