Andrew released after shock arrest over misconduct in public office allegations

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in a dramatic development that reverberated across the Royal Family on his 66th birthday.

The former prince was photographed reclining in the back of a vehicle shortly after 19:00 GMT as he departed Aylsham police station in Norfolk.

Images showed him slouched low in the rear seat of a black Range Rover as it drove past waiting reporters and photographers.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest and subsequent release.

“On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the force said.

“The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded,” the police added.

It is understood that searches in Berkshire are ongoing. Police added they would not be making any further statements at this time.

The arrest follows confirmation that Thames Valley Police had been assessing a complaint concerning the alleged sharing of confidential material by Andrew with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.

Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. He has not responded to requests for comment on the specific allegations linked to the publication of millions of Epstein-related files in January.

The offence of misconduct in public office typically applies to a public office-holder who wilfully neglects to perform duties or wilfully misconducts themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust.

Earlier in the day, King Charles III declined to answer shouted questions about his brother’s arrest while attending an engagement in central London.

Later, Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement on his behalf, saying: “The law must take its course.”

Palace sources said the King had not been informed in advance of the arrest. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s position.

Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, told BBC News that Andrew appeared “dazed” and “shell-shocked” in the photographs taken outside the station.

“He looked dazed, he looked shell-shocked, he was slouching down,” she said, describing the scene as a reminder of his “extraordinary fall from grace.”

She added that the day’s events would leave the Royal Family feeling “bruised” and “shattered,” while praising the “swiftness” of King Charles’s response.

By late evening, journalists and photographers had gathered along dark rural roads outside Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, where Andrew resides, in anticipation of his return.

A black Range Rover had earlier attempted to enter the Aylsham police investigation centre through an electronic gate before accessing the premises via an alternative entrance. Minutes later, the vehicle was seen exiting with Andrew in the back seat.