Former prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is suspected of sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy
The former prince Andrew was arrested and held for hours by British police Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment.
It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years.
King Charles, whose late mother lived by the motto “never complain, never explain”, took the unusual step of issuing a statement on the arrest of his brother, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,’’ the king said. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.’’
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
The Thames Valley Police force said Mountbatten-Windsor was released Thursday evening, about 11 hours after he was detained at his home in eastern England. He was photographed in a car leaving the police station near the royal Sandringham estate.
Police said he was released under investigation, meaning he has neither been charged nor exonerated.