Updated ,first published
London: British police have released Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from more than 11 hours of detention after arresting him on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein and concerns that he leaked confidential government documents.
The long detention signalled the gravity of the investigation into the former prince and his time as an official trade envoy, as King Charles pledged to assist the investigation into his younger brother.
In an extraordinary day for the royal family, Charles and Queen Camilla continued with their official engagements – including a concert and a fashion show – while police kept Mountbatten-Windsor in custody.
Mountbatten-Windsor was seen leaving a police station in Norfolk, near the Sandringham estate, after 7pm (London time). He was slouched on the rear seat of a vehicle in an apparent attempt to avoid being photographed while being driven away from Aylsham police station in north Norfolk, following almost 12 hours in custody.
Searches at his Norfolk residence have concluded, but searches in Berkshire, believed to be at the Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former residence, continue.
Police arrived at Mountbatten-Windsor’s home at Sandringham about 8am on Thursday (7pm, AEDT) and kept him in custody until at least 7pm, with no public statement from him or his lawyers.
British police have the right to hold a suspect for up to 24 hours to allow for questioning and further investigations, as well as allowing for the individual to seek the help of a lawyer.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said in a statement.
“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. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
The King continued with his scheduled events, including the opening of London Fashion Week and formal meetings with ambassadors, while the BBC reported that Buckingham Palace was not given any notice of the arrest before it took place.
Thames Valley Police, one of the police forces involved in multiple investigations into Mountbatten-Windsor, confirmed early on Thursday in the UK that it had arrested a man in Norfolk – the location of the Sandringham Estate – after carrying out searches.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” the police said. “Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed at 7.31pm on Thursday (6.31am on Friday, AEDT) that they had released the man, and they made no statement about charges being laid.
Police arrived at the home on the royal family’s Sandringham Estate in six unmarked cars and were seen carrying laptops and other equipment.
Observers told British media outlets the group included about eight officers in plain clothes and that one car arrived at the front of Mountbatten-Windsor’s home, known as Wood Farm, while others arrived at the rear of the building.
Thames Valley Police has been examining claims that Andrew sent government documents to Epstein while the former prince was working as an official trade envoy and had access to reports on trade missions and investment opportunities.
The night before Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, British police chiefs revealed they had set up a new group to co-ordinate the various investigations.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said it was assessing the details being made public in the Epstein files.
“A national co-ordination group has been set up to support a small number of forces assessing allegations that have emerged following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files,” said a spokesperson for the council on Wednesday (London time).
The investigation appears to be focused on Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct in public office as a trade envoy, rather than the accusations made by Giuffre, who took her own life in Western Australia last year.
Her family welcomed the arrest.
“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” her brothers and sisters-in-law said in a statement.
“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’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.”
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David Crowe is Europe correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via X or email.
