Arrest and Property Searches
Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his former role as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Authorities confirmed that officers carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
While the official statement did not name him directly, it referred to a man in his sixties who remains in custody. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest. Investigators emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of their work and said updates would be provided when appropriate.
Unmarked police vehicles were spotted outside Sandringham in Norfolk, where Andrew has been residing since leaving his home in Windsor.
Legal experts note that suspects are typically held between 12 and 24 hours before being charged or released pending further inquiries. In rare cases, detention can extend up to 96 hours with authorization from senior officers and a Magistrates’ Court. Commentators have stressed that standard custody procedures apply to all detainees.
Fresh Scrutiny Over Epstein Links
The arrest follows renewed scrutiny stemming from reports that Andrew may have shared potentially confidential documents with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as trade envoy.
According to recent reporting by the Financial Times, emails suggest Andrew discussed an $8-billion cash-for-oil deal involving foreign entities. The correspondence reportedly began while Epstein was under house arrest for a 2008 conviction related to soliciting sex from a minor.
Andrew’s long-standing association with Epstein has been a source of controversy for years. In 2019, he stepped back from public duties after a widely criticized interview with the BBC in which he addressed the relationship.
Although he has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, the fallout has been significant. In 2022, Andrew reached a settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was 17. He did not admit liability but expressed sympathy for victims of trafficking.
Royal Reaction and Fallout
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was assessing allegations tied to Andrew’s conduct. The developments prompted King Charles III to issue a rare public statement expressing concern and indicating that Buckingham Palace would support the authorities as needed.
Last October, King Charles stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles and required him to vacate Royal Lodge on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The move marked a dramatic turning point in what observers have described as one of the most serious reputational crises faced by a modern member of the royal family.
Andrew has not been charged in relation to the Epstein case and continues to deny any criminal conduct. The current investigation remains ongoing.
