Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was released from police custody Thursday following his arrest on suspicion of transmitting sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, authorities confirmed.
Thames Valley Police took the 66-year-old royal into custody early Thursday morning at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, conducting searches at multiple properties across Berkshire and Norfolk. By late evening, police announced the suspect had been released while the investigation continues.
King Charles III issued a statement confirming his brother’s identity as the individual detained, emphasizing the monarchy’s commitment to legal transparency.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” Charles said.
Photographs captured a visibly distressed Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 Thursday, hunched in the back seat of a vehicle departing the police station in eastern England.
The arrest stems from allegations that the former prince shared confidential trade reports with Epstein during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment, a position he held from 2001 to 2011.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright acknowledged the investigation’s high profile while urging patience.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Wright said. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has previously acknowledged his friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The royal settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, in 2022, though he has consistently denied any criminal conduct related to the disgraced financier.
Last year, King Charles stripped his brother of his remaining royal titles and evicted him from his official residence, severing formal ties amid mounting scrutiny over the Epstein association.
The investigation marks an unprecedented legal challenge to the royal family, with a senior working monarch publicly affirming judicial independence. Legal experts note that misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under British law.
