LONDON: Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, was released from police custody on Thursday evening after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he shared confidential government documents with late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, who turned 66 on Thursday, was questioned throughout the day by detectives from Thames Valley Police before being released under investigation.
Earlier this month, the force confirmed it was examining claims that Andrew passed sensitive reports to Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment. The arrest of a senior royal — eighth in line to the throne — marks an unprecedented development in modern British history.
In a statement, King Charles said he had received the news “with the deepest concern” and stressed that “the law must take its course,” adding that the royal family would fully support and cooperate with authorities.
A Reuters witness saw Andrew leaving a police station in Aylsham, eastern England, shortly after 1900 GMT. Photographs showed him seated in a car appearing visibly shaken.
Police later confirmed that “the arrested man” had been released under investigation as inquiries continue.
Andrew, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and previously said he regretted their association. His office declined to comment, and he has not spoken publicly since the US government released millions of additional documents related to Epstein.
Those files reportedly suggested Andrew forwarded official reports about countries including Vietnam and Singapore to Epstein in 2010. He stepped down from his trade envoy role in 2011 after scrutiny over his links to the disgraced financier intensified.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police said a formal investigation had been launched following a detailed assessment of the allegations, noting the “significant public interest” in the case.
Andrew’s arrest deepens a long-running crisis for the royal, who withdrew from public duties in 2019 over his ties to Epstein and was stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages last year.
Police were earlier seen at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, where Andrew currently resides, as well as at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, his former home.
While an arrest indicates reasonable suspicion of an offence, it does not imply guilt. Misconduct in public office is a common law offence in the UK and can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if prosecuted in a Crown Court.
The investigation is separate from a civil lawsuit settled in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual abuse — allegations he denied. Giuffre died by suicide last year, and her family said in a statement that “no one is above the law, not even royalty.”
US President Donald Trump described the situation as “very sad” for the royal family when asked by reporters.
In addition to the misconduct probe, anti-monarchy campaign group Republic has filed a separate complaint alleging Andrew was involved in trafficking a woman to Britain in 2010. Thames Valley Police said it is assessing those claims.
US lawmakers have also called for Andrew to testify before congressional committees about his knowledge of Epstein’s activities. Separately, former British prime minister Gordon Brown has urged a review into how Epstein may have transported women through London’s Stansted Airport without proper checks.
Essex Police confirmed it is examining that matter.
Should Andrew ultimately face charges, he would join a small number of senior British royals formally accused of criminal offences — a list that stretches back centuries.