In an extraordinary development that has captured public attention across the United Kingdom and beyond, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, was released from police custody on Thursday evening after an entire day of questioning by detectives. The 66‑year‑old royal, formerly known as Prince Andrew, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an allegation that is both serious and highly unusual for a senior member of the royal family.
Officials from Thames Valley Police confirmed that Mountbatten‑Windsor was detained to investigate claims he passed confidential government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. After several hours of questioning at Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk, he was released under investigation, signaling that inquiries are ongoing and no charges have yet been brought. The arrest is unprecedented in modern times and has drawn intense media attention, raising questions about accountability at the highest levels of public life.
King Charles issued a public statement expressing his concern over the situation, while emphasizing the royal family’s support for the legal process. “The law must take its course,” the monarch said, noting that Buckingham Palace had not been informed ahead of the arrest. He also confirmed that the family is cooperating fully with authorities. Despite the gravity of the events, King Charles maintained his scheduled public engagements, including attending a fashion show in London, without providing further comment.
Mountbatten‑Windsor’s long-standing connection to Epstein has been a source of controversy for more than a decade. He resigned from his role as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment in 2011 following scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein. Although he has consistently denied wrongdoing, newly released U.S. government files suggest that in 2010 he forwarded reports about official trips abroad — including visits to Vietnam and Singapore — to Epstein. These actions are now central to the misconduct investigation, which authorities describe as legally and factually complex. Misconduct in public office is a common law offense in the UK that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the most extreme cases.
Authorities have also confirmed that they are assessing additional allegations, including claims that Mountbatten‑Windsor may have been involved in the trafficking of a woman to Britain for sex in 2010. Anti‑monarchy group Republic referred the complaint, and Thames Valley Police are examining the matter. Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers have called for Mountbatten‑Windsor to testify before congressional committees about what he knew regarding Epstein’s network.
The case has drawn strong reactions globally. The family of Virginia Giuffre — the American woman whose separate civil lawsuit against Mountbatten‑Windsor was settled in 2022 — said they were heartened by the investigation, emphasizing that no one is above the law. Born as the second son of Queen Elizabeth II, Mountbatten‑Windsor once embodied traditional royal service. Over the past decade, however, his public image has been marred by controversy. In October last year, King Charles stripped him of his royal titles and honors, reflecting both the seriousness of the allegations and a desire to distance the monarchy from scandal.
If criminal charges are ultimately filed, Mountbatten‑Windsor would become one of the very few senior royals in modern history to face prosecution. Previous royal legal incidents have been minor in comparison, such as Princess Anne’s court appearance in 2002 over a dog-related incident. Police emphasize that being released under investigation does not imply guilt, but the case continues to unfold under intense public scrutiny. The investigation now serves as a test of the principle that even the highest members of the royal family are not beyond the reach of the law.