Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor walked free Thursday evening after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sending confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. The 66-year-old royal, eighth in line to the throne, faced all-day questioning by Thames Valley Police over his trade envoy role.
Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Documents?
Thames Valley Police investigated allegations Andrew passed confidential reports from 2010 Vietnam and Singapore trips to Epstein while Special Representative for Trade and Investment. He stepped down from that role in 2011 after Epstein links surfaced. Arrest marks unprecedented modern action against senior royal.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed opening probe after thorough assessment, noting public interest. Police raided Wood Farm at Sandringham and his former Windsor mansion with six unmarked cars and plain-clothed officers. Andrew always denied wrongdoing, regrets friendship with Epstein, convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Over 3 million US government-released Epstein pages suggested the document transfers.
What Did King Charles Say About Brother Andrew’s Arrest?
King Charles expressed “deepest concern” in a statement, confirming authorities have family’s “full and wholehearted support.” He stressed “the law must take its course” while continuing royal duties, attending a London fashion show same day. Palace wasn’t pre-informed of arrest.
Reuters witnessed Andrew leaving Aylsham police station after 1900 GMT, appearing shaken in a car amid photographers. Released “under investigation,” meaning probe continues without charges yet.
How Serious Is Misconduct in Public Office for Andrew?
Conviction carries maximum life imprisonment, handled in Crown Court for gravest crimes. Common law offense involves complexities, requires reasonable suspicion of crime and royal involvement—but doesn’t imply guilt. Andrew quit official duties in 2019 over Epstein, stripped of titles and honors by Charles last October.
Giuffre family, whose late member sued Andrew in 2022 civil case he settled, welcomed news: “no one is above the law, not even royalty.” Current probe unrelated to sexual allegations.
What Other Epstein Probes Target Prince Andrew?
Republic group reported Andrew for alleged 2010 woman trafficking to Britain for sex at Windsor address; Thames Valley assesses. US lawmakers want his testimony on Epstein knowledge. Ex-PM Gordon Brown calls for Stansted Airport trafficking probe, overlooked previously; Essex Police examining Wednesday.
Princess Anne holds rare prior royal convictions: 2001 speeding fine, 2002 dog bite guilty plea—first in 350 years since Charles I’s 1649 beheading.
Important FAQs
Q: What specific allegation led to Andrew’s arrest?
A: Misconduct in public office for passing confidential 2010 trade trip documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
Q: Where was Andrew detained and released?
A: Questioned all day at Aylsham station; released after 1900 GMT appearing shaken.
Q: King Charles’ exact stance on police action?
A: Full family support; “the law must take its course.”
Q: Maximum penalty for misconduct conviction?
A: Life imprisonment in Crown Court.
Q: Relation to Giuffre sexual abuse lawsuit?
A: Unrelated; that was settled civil case in 2022.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
