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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released After Arrest in Misconduct Probe
Aylsham, UK – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released from police custody on Thursday, the same day he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest and subsequent release mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding the disgraced royal.
Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station, appearing wide-eyed with his mouth agape, from the backseat of a vehicle. Thames Valley Police confirmed his release, noting that authorities are continuing to search his former residence, Royal Lodge.
The arrest came on Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday and follows a newly opened misconduct probe by Thames Valley Police. While police did not officially name the individual, they confirmed a “man in his sixties from Norfolk” was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in office, and that searches were being conducted at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire.
King Charles III, Mountbatten-Windsor’s brother, earlier expressed his “deepest concern” regarding the news. In a statement, the King emphasized the importance of a “full, fair and proper process” in the investigation and reiterated the Royal Family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with authorities. He added, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police stated, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense.” Wright assured the public of updates at the appropriate time, citing “national guidance” for not naming the individual involved.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s name has previously been linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, with his appearance in the infamous Epstein files, including in images, drawing considerable public scrutiny. In 2019, he was compelled by the late Queen Elizabeth II to step back from royal duties and charity work following a controversial BBC interview addressing his ties to Epstein.
Just last week, Buckingham Palace indicated its readiness to “support” UK police in examining claims against Mountbatten-Windsor. A palace statement, according to The Associated Press, affirmed the King’s “profound concern” regarding allegations and stated, “While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.”
Prior reports indicated police were investigating allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade reports with Epstein in 2010, during his tenure as Britain’s special envoy for international trade.
The case also brings renewed attention to the claims of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleged in her memoir that Mountbatten-Windsor had sex with her when she was 17. Giuffre, who tragically passed away last year, wrote of being instructed by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to “do for him what you do for Jeffrey,” and described Mountbatten-Windsor as “entitled – as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright.” She further claimed receiving $15,000 from Epstein for “servicing the man the tabloids called ‘Randy Andy’.”
If the case proceeds to trial in the UK’s Crown Court, which handles serious criminal offenses, Mountbatten-Windsor could face a life sentence. UK law limits detention without charge to 96 hours. Misconduct in public office, as defined by the Crown Prosecution Service, occurs when a public officer “willfully neglects their responsibilities and/or willfully misconducts themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust,” while acting in their official capacity.