Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles III, has been released by British police after his arrest on Thursday for suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mountbatten-Windsor was released “under investigation,” meaning he faces no charges at this time.
Photos from Mountbatten-Windsor’s Norfolk residence showed police activity on Thursday, which is also his 66th birthday. No senior royals have been arrested in recent history, and the palace confirmed it was not notified prior to the arrest. Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Thames Valley Police, which covers parts of southern England including areas where Mountbatten-Windsor has lived, said in a statement, “On Thursday … we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrested man has now been released under investigation.” Police added that searches in Norfolk have concluded, while those in Berkshire continue. Thames Valley Police said, “We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” and confirmed there would be no further media statements while the investigation continues.
The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor’s past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of documents relating to Epstein. Reports indicate Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly shared confidential trade reports with Epstein in 2010, during his tenure as Britain’s special envoy for international trade.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal title and asked to leave Windsor Castle in 2022 due to his Epstein connections, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including allegations from Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he reached a confidential settlement with Giuffre, agreeing to make “a substantial donation to Ms. Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights,” while expressing regret for his association with Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
King Charles III said in a statement: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
Maria Farmer, another Epstein survivor, said Thursday: “Today is just the beginning of accountability and justice brought forth by Virginia Roberts Giuffre — a young mother who adored her daughter so deeply, she fought the most powerful on earth to protect her. She did this for everyone’s daughters. Let’s now demand all the dominos of power and corruption begin to fall.”
President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, called the arrest “a shame,” adding, “I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing.” Trump also referenced his past friendship with Epstein, claiming he was “totally exonerated” regarding related allegations.
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