Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, police said.
The disgraced former prince was pictured slouched in the back of a vehicle leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk after being in custody for around 11 hours.
Police officers searched properties linked to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor after he was arrested at the Sandringham Estate on Thursday.
Thames Valley Police are investigating claims that while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, he shared sensitive information with disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The claims emerged in a new tranche of emails in the so-called Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
In a statement, King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over his brother’s arrest. He added: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Key points
- Ex-prince released under investigation, police say
- Pictured: Andrew arrives at Sandringham Estate following release from police custody
- Andrew pictured leaving police station
- Home secretary alerted before arrest
- Trump says he was exonerated
- King says 'law must take its course'
Opinion:
00:45 , Jane DaltonThe ex-prince is the author of his own misfortunes, but his story is a sad one, in the sense that anyone can see what an asset Andrew could have become had he lived up to his promise, writes Sean O’Grady:
Watch: ‘Nightmare’ for King, royal expert says
23:35 , Jane Dalton
Andrew arrest is ‘nightmare’ for King Charles, says Jennie Bond
Pictured: Andrew seen arriving at Sandringham Estate following his release from police custody
23:19 , Harriette Boucher
Anti-monarchist details what detention could have been like
22:35 , Jane Dalton
Anti-monarchist details what police detention could look like for Andrew
Trump calls arrest ‘so bad for royal family’
21:57 , Jane Dalton
Trump calls Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest ‘so bad for the royal family’
Watch: I've been exonerated, says Trump
21:26 , Jane DaltonWatch: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor driven away from police station
20:55 , Jane DaltonHome secretary alerted before arrest
20:39 , Jane DaltonHome secretary Shabana Mahmood was alerted to the arrest shortly before Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody, it is understood.
It is also understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed before the arrest.
Police still searching Royal Lodge
20:30 , Jane DaltonPlain-clothes police officers are thought to be still searching Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
Unmarked police cars were also seen at his temporary home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
The ex-prince this month temporarily moved into Wood Farm on the King's private Norfolk estate after leaving Royal Lodge, while waiting for his new home, nearby Marsh Farm, to be ready.
Trump says arrest 'bad for royal family'
20:09 , Jane DaltonUS president Donald Trump said of the arrest of the King’s brother: “I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing.”
Mr Trump said the King would “obviously” be going to the US very soon.
“He’s a fantastic man – King,” he said.
Ex-prince released under investigation
19:37 , Jane DaltonAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police say.
Andrew pictured leaving police station upon release
19:31 , Harriette Boucher
Andrew released from police station
19:21 , Harriette BoucherAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left the police station after being arrested this morning, according to a Reuters witness.
The former prince was arrested at around 8am on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Police custody explained
19:15 , Jane Dalton
What happens now Andrew has been arrested? Police custody explained
Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still in line for the throne?
18:46 , Jane Dalton
British line of succession: Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still in line?
Watch: Police seen at Royal Lodge in Windsor and Sandringham
18:22 , Jane DaltonFormer prince still in police custody
17:52 , Jane DaltonAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
A suspect can generally be held in custody for up to 24 hours, but this can be extended to 96 hours if an extension is sought at a magistrates' court.
When the custody time limit has expired, most suspects are either charged or released pending further investigation.
Opinion: Arrest shows how far a person can fall
17:50 , Jane DaltonThe worst may be yet to come, and this serial humiliation must be hard to bear, writes Sean O’Grady:
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals
17:25 , Jane Dalton
Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
Applause for Queen
17:02 , Jane DaltonThe Queen carried out her duties as planned in the wake of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, watching a lunchtime concert in Westminster.
While the Queen enjoyed orchestral performances and met musicians at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall, where she is patron.
She was met with applause as she took her seat.
Watch: The last time a member of the royal family was arrested
16:55 , Jane Dalton
King chats to Stella McCartney
16:40 , Jane DaltonThe King joked and laughed with fashion designer Stella McCartney at an event launching London Fashion Week held just hours after Andrew was arrested.
She appeared to respond to a question from the King about her father, Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, by saying: "He's great, he's great. You guys need to hang out."
Charles also toured stands showcasing the clothes of fashion designers staging shows during the global event and looked relaxed and at ease throughout.
Art storage van leaves ex-prince's Royal Lodge
16:27 , Jane DaltonA fine-art-transportation company van and several police vehicles have left the grounds of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former Berkshire home.
Thames Valley Police had been searching the Royal Lodge estate, a few miles south of Windsor castle, since Thursday morning.
At around 4pm, a Gander and White van left Windsor Great Park, which surrounds the Royal Lodge estate.
Gander and White describes itself as "one of the world's leading fine art logistics companies, providing art storage, transport, installation and customs services".
Two large police vans with tinted windows, each carrying several uniformed officers, were also seen leaving.
The Royal Lodge is a Grade II-listed building built originally in the mid-1600s before being developed significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It became royal accommodation in the early 1800s and had been used by Andrew since 2004, until he moved out earlier this month.
It was known the former prince would be moving out of Royal Lodge in the new year, so the development was not thought to be linked to the latest revelations in the Epstein papers.
Recap - What has happened today as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
16:00 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was this morning arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody.
He is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
The former prince was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police (TVP) at the Sandringham Estate on what is his 66th birthday, following allegations made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In response to the arrest of his brother, King Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
It is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.
Searches are currently ongoing at addresses linked to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, namely those at Sandringham and Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.
TVP assistant chief constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
In pictures: Police at Royal Lodge
15:49 , Dan Haygarth
What is misconduct in public office?
15:39 , Dan HaygarthWhat is misconduct in public office?
- According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the offence is defined as “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held”.
- It happens when a public office holder wilfully neglects to perform his or her duty or wilfully misconducts him or herself, to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in that office.
- The offence technically carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but in this case that maximum would be extremely unlikely, experts have said.
- In recent years, prison officers have been prosecuted for the offence after having inappropriate relationships with inmates, as well as police officers leaking information.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Princess Anne attended a planned visit to a prison in Yorkshire
15:28 , Dan HaygarthThe Princess Royal attended a planned visit to a West Yorkshire prison on Thursday afternoon.
Two black Range Rovers – one believed to contain Anne – arrived at HMP Leeds at 2.30pm, escorted by police.
About a dozen staff members from nearby charities stood by the road hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal as she drove onto the site.
Kelly Manton, from the West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project Resettlement Service, said she was “sad” to learn of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
She told reporters: “It’s sad in a way it’s come to this, given the stature and everything of the royal family. He’s a big figure in the UK and in the royal family.
“It’s just a sad situation and I do feel for the royal family that this is happening to them.”
Recap: Thames Valley Police statement in full
15:26 , Dan HaygarthA statement said: “Thames Valley Police has opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2), at approximately 8am, arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“The man remains in police custody at this time.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
King met with questions about his brother as he attends London engagement
14:57 , Dan HaygarthThe King was met with questions about his brother while arriving at an engagement in the Strand area of central London, hours after issuing a statement expressing his “deepest concern” over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Several people let out cries of “ohh” as the King’s car pulled up.
Wearing a dark suit, Charles stepped out of the car to a mixture of shouts from members of the public crowding the streets.
As the monarch entered the building, questions about Andrew’s arrest were shouted. He did not respond.
Queen Camilla does not respond after being asked about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
14:18 , Daniel HaygarthThe Queen did not respond when she was asked about the arrest of her brother-in-law Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as she left an engagement in Westminster.
As she got into a waiting car outside a lunchtime orchestral concert at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall, she was asked “are you concerned about Andrew’s arrest, your majesty?”
Camilla waved to cameras but did not respond.
More police go through the gates at Royal Lodge while members of the public use the nearby parks
14:17 , Dan HaygarthMore police officers have gone through the gates of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home as they continue to conduct their search.
Multiple vans carrying police officers arrived at the Royal Lodge residence on Thursday afternoon, where a search of Andrew’s former home is ongoing.
Members of the public, including runners, dog walkers and children on scooters, are still roaming the sprawling parks which surround the residence.
The press are being held at an outer gate beyond Windsor Great Park and are not permitted on the grounds currently.
King Charles carries on with his duties as monarch
14:06 , Dan HaygarthThe King continued his planned ambassadorial in-person audiences at St James’s Palace on Thursday, following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Labour MP calls for criminal investigation into Andrew over Virginia Giuffre accusation
13:51 , Dan HaygarthOur political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A Labour MP has called for the police to re-open a criminal investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Metropolitan police previously decided not to launch a full criminal investigation into allegations involving Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
Following his arrest on Thursday, Labour MP Nadia Whittome said: “No one must be above the law, and this is a significant development.
“A criminal investigation should also be re-opened into the serious accusations made by Virginia Giuffre against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.”
Police stationed outside royal estates
13:44 , Dan Haygarth
Gordon Brown has submitted more information to the police
13:24 , Dan HaygarthGordon Brown says he has submitted more information to the police.
Responding to news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, the former prime minister said: “I have submitted a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and other relevant UK police constabularies.
“This memorandum provides new and additional information to that which I submitted last week to the Met, Essex and Thames Valley police forces where I expressed my concern that we secure justice for trafficked girls and women.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested and what does ‘misconduct in public office’ mean?
13:04 , Holly EvansAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over claims he leaked confidential documents to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday, on his 66th birthday, following allegations, uncovered in the latest tranche of the Epstein files, the former prince had shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
But what is misconduct in public office and what has Mr Mountbatten-Windsor been accused of?
Read the full article here:
David Lammy says 'nobody in this country is above the law'
12:59 , Holly EvansDeputy prime minister David Lammy has reiterated Sir Keir Starmer’s stance that “nobody in this country is above the law”.
Speaking to BBC News at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, he said: “As justice secretary - and as the prime minister has said - nobody in this country is above the law.
“And this is now a police investigation and that must happen in the usual way.”
MP pushed government to publish files on Andrew's time as trade envoy early
12:53 , Holly EvansOur political correspondent Athena Stavrou writes:
The government was asked last week if they would release files relating to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s role as a trade envoy early.
As it stands, files related to Mr Mountbatten Windsor’s time in the role will be sealed until 2065, 105 years after his birth.
Social Democratic and Labour Party MP Colum Eastwood asked the government in a written question last week if they would review the legislation that withholds the documents.
However, a minister replied to say the foreign office will continue to operate in accordance with “statutory obligations”.
In a post about his question following Mr Mountbatten Windsor’s arrest, Mr Eastwood said: “They declined but clearly that material should be made available to police.”
Andrew’s arrest is unprecedented in recent royal history
12:39 , Holly EvansOur crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin writes:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest is unprecedented in recent royal history.
Police have the powers to hold the former prince for a maximum of 96 hours for questioning, though this would require multiple extensions from police and a magistrates’ court.
Although his sister, Princess Anne, became the first member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence in 2002 after her English bull terrier, Dotty, bit two children in Windsor Great Park, she is not thought to have been arrested.
She was instead issued a summons to appear at court, where she pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act.She was fined £500 for the attack and ordered to pay £250 in compensation and £148 in costs at a magistrates’ court in Slough.
The district judge, Penelope Hewitt, spared Dotty’s life.
The year before she was also convicted of speeding in her Bentley, after admitting driving at 93mph in a 70mph zone in Gloucestershire. She was fined £400, ordered to pay £30 costs and given five penalty points on her driving licence.
In 2019, prosecutors decided it was not in the public interest to prosecute Prince Philip over a road crash near the Sandringham estate.
The then 97-year-old voluntarily gave up his driving licence after his Land Rover Freelander collided with another vehicle, leaving one woman with a broken wrist.
The last time a royal was arrested is thought to be several hundred years ago in 1647, when King Charles I was imprisoned by Oliver Cromwell following the civil war. He was tried and later executed for high treason.
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein allegations
12:33 , Holly EvansWidely purported to have been the late Queen’s “favourite” child, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the past decade.
Plagued by a string of controversies, the latest blow has seen him arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday following claims made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to Epstein, which included messages between the two sent months after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor claimed to have ended his friendship with the convicted sex offender.
Here, The Independent takes a look at a timeline of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s fall from grace and his retreat from the public eye.
Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest is ‘nightmare’ for King Charles, royal expert Jennie Bond says
12:30 , Dan HaygarthThe arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a “nightmare” for King Charles and Buckingham Palace, royal expert Jennie Bond has said.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Bond, who has has been a royal correspondent for 14 years, said that the arrest of the former prince is “extraordinary and shocking”.
“The pressure has been building so much over the last few weeks that you felt that something had to happen,” she said, though said she believed it would come in the form of police cars carrying out searches of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s properties, not an arrest.
King and Buckingham Palace not informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
12:18 , Dan Haygarth
It is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 today, was detained at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Thursday, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
He added: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
King Charles' statement in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
12:06 , Daniel HaygarthThe King said in a written statement: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.
“Charles R.”
Breaking: King says 'law must take its course' after brother's arrest
12:04 , Tom BarnesThe King has said “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
WATCH: Vehicles arrive at Sandringham as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
11:47 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor is first senior royal to be arrested since English Civil War
11:38 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
You would have to go back to the English Civil War for the last arrest, when Charles I was detained by forces aligned with parliament in 1647.
In November 2002, Princess Anne became the first member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence, but she was not arrested in the process.
She pleaded guilty to one charge of having a dog dangerously out of control and was fined £500.
In 2019, Norfolk Police spoke to Prince Philip after he was pictured driving without a seat belt.
It came two days after the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a crash near Sandringham in which a woman broke her wrist. However, he was not arrested.
Campaign group Republic welcomes news of arrest
11:26 , Dan HaygarthAnti-monarchy group Republic said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was “likely influenced by Republic's pursuit of a private prosecution”, adding that its chief executive Graham Smith sent a crime report to Thames Valley Police.
Mr Smith said: "Make no mistake, this is a result of Republic's action.
"We reported Andrew to the police when others were unwilling to act. Republic has been instigating a private prosecution when the police were reluctant to investigate."
"Republic's lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months."
He added: "The police must follow all evidence wherever it leads."
Arrest comes hours after PM urged Andrew to testify about Epstein links
11:07 , Dan HaygarthPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Just hours before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, Sir Keir Starmer piled further pressure onto the former prince to testify about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the Sir Keir insisted that “nobody is above the law”, and said: “Anybody who has any information should testify.
“So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.
“Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on his birthday
11:02 , Dan Haygarth
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on the day that he turns 66 years old.
Arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would support the police if approached
11:00 , Dan HaygarthMr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims made against him.
A spokesman for the palace added that the King had made clear his “profound concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged conduct.
MP urges Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to fully co-operate with police
10:39 , Dan Haygarth
An MP has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with police following his arrest this morning.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins told The Independent:”It is important in any society that seeks to uphold the rule of law that no one is above the law. Epstein’s crimes were grave and his victims deserve justice.
“Without assuming the outcome, and respecting the process, it is important that everyone fully cooperates with the police on this matter regardless of their status.”
