LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Former senior British royal Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office in a dramatic development that has intensified scrutiny over his long-standing association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Authorities confirmed the arrest took place on February 19 at a property linked to Andrew, with officers detaining him for approximately 11 to 12 hours before releasing him under investigation. The police action included searches at locations connected to him, including areas in Norfolk, where the royal family maintains residences such as Sandringham Estate.
Investigators say the case centers on allegations that Andrew may have shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s special trade envoy around 2010 and 2011. Officials are examining whether any communications or documents exchanged during that period constituted an abuse of public trust, which is the key legal threshold for the offense of misconduct in public office.
Police emphasized that Andrew has not been charged with any crime and remains under investigation while authorities review evidence, including material that emerged from previously released Epstein-related files in the United States. Legal experts note that while the offense can carry severe penalties, including a possible life sentence, such outcomes are rare and depend heavily on the strength of the evidence presented by prosecutors.
The arrest marks an unprecedented moment in modern British history, as it is the first time in centuries that a figure so close to the monarchy has been detained in connection with a criminal investigation of this nature. The development has reignited debate across the United Kingdom about accountability, transparency, and the standards applied to public officials and members of the royal family.
Buckingham Palace has not issued detailed comments on the investigation, but King Charles III acknowledged the situation in a brief statement, stressing that legal processes must be allowed to proceed independently. Andrew had already stepped back from public duties in recent years following earlier controversies tied to his relationship with Epstein and had lost several royal titles and patronages.
The renewed focus on Andrew follows the release of additional documents connected to Epstein’s network, which brought fresh attention to historical contacts and communications involving prominent figures. While the current investigation is not directly related to earlier civil allegations of sexual misconduct, the broader Epstein scandal continues to cast a long shadow over those previously associated with the financier.
Political observers say the case could have lasting implications for public perceptions of the monarchy, particularly as it unfolds alongside ongoing discussions about institutional reform and public trust. The investigation is expected to continue for several months as detectives analyze evidence and consult with prosecutors on whether formal charges are warranted.
For now, Andrew remains free while under investigation, with authorities reiterating that the inquiry is active and urging the public to avoid speculation as legal processes move forward.
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