Image Source: The New york Times
SANDRINGHAM, UK – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince and Duke of York, was released from police custody late Thursday evening following an unprecedented 11-hour detention. The arrest, which took place on his 66th birthday, marks the first time a senior member of the British Royal Family has been detained by police in nearly 400 years.
The investigation, led by Thames Valley Police, centers on allegations of misconduct in public office linked to recently unsealed documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The Morning Raid
The dramatic events began at approximately 8:00 AM on Thursday when six unmarked police vehicles arrived at Wood Farm, Andrew’s current residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Simultaneously, officers conducted searches at Royal Lodge in Windsor, his former long-term home.
Andrew was taken to Aylsham Police Station, where he was held in a standard custody suite. By 7:00 PM, he was seen being driven away in the back of a black vehicle, appearing visibly strained.
The Allegations: “Trade for Influence”
While past scrutiny focused on Andrew’s personal conduct, this criminal probe targets his professional tenure as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment (2001–2011).
Leaked emails and documents released by the U.S. Justice Department in late January reportedly suggest:
- Data Leaks: Andrew allegedly forwarded “confidential briefs” and sensitive government reports regarding trade missions in Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong to Jeffrey Epstein. Timing: In one instance, a confidential report was sent to Epstein just five minutes after Andrew received it from his special adviser. Mineral Interests: Documents suggest the former prince shared information on investment opportunities in gold and uranium in Afghanistan with the late financier. A “Broken” Deference
The arrest signals a seismic shift in the British establishment’s approach to the monarchy. In a stern departure from tradition, King Charles III issued a statement shortly after the arrest was confirmed, asserting that “the law must take its course” and pledging the Palace’s “full and wholehearted support” for the police inquiry.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process… nobody is above the law.” — Prime Minister Keir Starmer
What Happens Next?
Andrew remains “under investigation,” a legal status in the UK meaning he has not been charged with a crime but remains a central suspect. Detectives are currently reviewing forensic evidence seized during the searches in Norfolk and Berkshire.
Legal experts note that “misconduct in public office” is a serious common-law offense that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, though such a penalty is rare.
