Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released After Arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles, was released from police custody on Thursday evening after being questioned throughout the day by Thames Valley Police over allegations he passed confidential documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade representative.

Unprecedented Arrest of a Senior Royal

The arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor, eighth in line to the throne and second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, marks an extraordinary development in modern British royal history. Senior members of the royal family have rarely faced criminal investigation, let alone arrest.

A Reuters witness observed Mountbatten-Windsor leaving a police station in Aylsham, eastern England, shortly after 1900 GMT. Photographs taken after his release showed him seated inside a vehicle, appearing visibly shaken.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that the 66-year-old had been “released under investigation,” a status that allows authorities to continue inquiries without immediate charges.

Allegations Linked to Trade Envoy Role

The investigation centers on claims that Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded confidential government reports to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 while serving as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment. Documents released by U.S. authorities in recent years suggested he shared information regarding official visits to countries including Vietnam and Singapore.

He stepped down from his trade envoy role in 2011 after his close association with Epstein first became public. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and previously expressed regret over their friendship.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police had opened a formal investigation following a “thorough assessment,” acknowledging significant public interest and pledging updates at appropriate intervals.

Royal Response: “The Law Must Take Its Course”

King Charles said he learned of the arrest with “the deepest concern,” adding that authorities would receive the family’s “full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the monarch said, while continuing public engagements, including attendance at a fashion event in London.

Buckingham Palace was reportedly not informed in advance of the arrest.

Wider Legal and Political Context

Misconduct in public office is a common law offense in England and Wales and carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment if proven in a Crown Court. However, arrest does not imply guilt, and no charges have been filed.

The current investigation is separate from the 2022 civil settlement Mountbatten-Windsor reached in the United States with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. He has denied those allegations.

The case has drawn international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “very sad” for the royal family. Meanwhile, anti-monarchy group Republic has urged further investigation into additional allegations, and U.S. lawmakers have called for Mountbatten-Windsor to testify about his knowledge of Epstein’s activities.

Police in Essex are also examining claims related to alleged trafficking activity through London Stansted Airport, following public comments by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for scrutiny of past oversight.

If criminal charges are ultimately filed, Mountbatten-Windsor would join a very small number of senior British royals formally accused of offenses, underscoring the historic nature of the investigation.