If you value independent local news, become a sustainer today. Your gift could help unlock a $1M challenge.
U.K.'s ex-Prince Andrew is released after his arrest over Epstein revelations
Britain's Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, looks round as he leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, April 20, 2025.
(
Kirsty Wigglesworth
/
AP
)
Listen
2:41
Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office: reports
LONDON — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the British former prince, was released Thursday after spending the day in police custody in an investigation into whether he sent sensitive government information to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police arrested Mountbatten-Windsor on "suspicion of misconduct in public office" and searched his addresses in the counties of Berkshire and Norfolk, England. Late Thursday, the police said they concluded the searches and released the suspect but he was still under investigation.
The police identified him only as a man in his 60s from Norfolk, England. His brother King Charles III confirmed it was the former prince in a public statement pledging his support and cooperation with the investigation.
"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," Charles said in the statement.
News photographs showed cars arriving at the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk early Thursday, the morning of Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday.
-
The DOJ has published additional Epstein files related to allegations that President Trump sexually abused a minor after an NPR investigation found dozens pages were withheld. -
Over hours of testimony, the Clintons both denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes prior to his pleading guilty in 2008. -
The former president told members of Congress he saw no signs of Epstein's sexual abuse as he faced hours of grilling from lawmakers.
Later, photos showed a distressed-looking former prince hunched in the back seat of a car, being driven away from the police station in eastern England.
Sponsored message
Thames Valley Police, which serves areas west of London, said last week it was examining allegations that the then-prince sent confidential trade reports to Epstein during Andrew's time as the U.K.'s international trade envoy.
King Charles stripped his brother of his royal title and evicted him from his residence last year over his friendship with the late sex offender.
The former prince has admitted having ties to the disgraced business mogul and settled a lawsuit with one of Epstein's underage victims, but he has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing on any matters related to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond to a request for comment after his arrest.
In a police statement Thursday, 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."
Copyright 2026 NPR
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
