King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was released from police custody Thursday evening after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sharing confidential government documents with Jeffrey Epstein. The 66-year-old royal was questioned all day by Thames Valley Police following allegations linked to his role as a trade envoy.
Mountbatten-Windsor, eighth in line to the throne, faces an unprecedented investigation into a senior royal suspected of criminal involvement. King Charles expressed concern over the situation, affirming the family’s full support for authorities and emphasizing that “the law must take its course” while continuing their public duties.
Read more : King Charles, William face rising pressure over Prince Andrew crisis
The arrest follows the release of more than three million pages of US government documents related to Epstein, suggesting that Andrew forwarded reports about Vietnam, Singapore, and other official trips to the late convicted sex offender in 2010. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and regrets his friendship with Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Andrew was released under investigation and that the probe focuses on alleged misconduct, not any sexual impropriety. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright acknowledged the public interest in the case and promised updates as the investigation progresses, underscoring the complexity of the Common Law offence.
Read more : Inside King Charles’ warm, unexpected leadership style
The former prince has faced intense scrutiny over his links to Epstein, leading him to resign from official royal duties in 2019 and lose his titles and honours last October. Previous civil suits, including one by Virginia Giuffre, were settled in the United States and are separate from this ongoing criminal inquiry.
Authorities are also reviewing other allegations, including claims that Mountbatten-Windsor facilitated human trafficking to the UK in 2010. Additional investigations involve Essex Police and potential testimony before US lawmakers, highlighting the international scope of scrutiny and continued legal examination.