Police Action and Arrest Details
Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to his former role as the UK’s trade envoy, according to police. Authorities also searched properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. While initially unnamed in the statement, officials confirmed a man in his sixties remains in custody. Andrew celebrated his 66th birthday on the day of the arrest.
Unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has lived since leaving his Windsor residence. Police emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of their investigation while acknowledging the public interest in the case.
Allegations Involving Jeffrey Epstein
Recent reports suggest Andrew may have shared sensitive documents with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. Emails obtained by the Financial Times indicate Andrew agreed to assist with an $8 billion cash-for-oil swap involving foreign entities, exchanging multiple messages with Epstein while the financier was under house arrest for a 2008 conviction.
Royal commentator Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London described the situation as one of the most striking falls from grace for a modern royal. Police analyst Danny Shaw explained that suspects are normally held for 12 to 24 hours, with a maximum of 96 hours if extensions are granted by senior officers and a magistrate. Andrew is reportedly being treated like any other detainee, with access only to basic facilities.
Royal Family Reaction and Past Controversies
Thames Valley Police had earlier confirmed an ongoing assessment of misconduct claims against Andrew, prompting King Charles III to express concern and pledge the palace’s cooperation.
In October, Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge on Windsor Castle grounds, following years of scrutiny over his links to Epstein. Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 after a controversial BBC interview addressing his relationship with Epstein.
Andrew has not been criminally charged in connection with Epstein and denies wrongdoing. In 2022, he reached a settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged sexual abuse when she was 17. While he did not admit guilt, Andrew acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre later died by suicide at 41 in April, and her memoir Nobody’s Girl was published posthumously in October.
