Police Action and Arrest Details
Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy. Police also searched properties in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities confirmed a man in his sixties remains in custody, though they did not initially name him. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest. Officials emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging strong public interest. Unmarked police cars were spotted at Sandringham, where he has lived since leaving Windsor.
Links to Epstein and Controversial Dealings
Recent reports suggest Andrew may have shared sensitive documents with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his role as trade envoy. According to the Financial Times, emails indicate he agreed to assist in an $8 billion oil-for-cash swap between two foreign entities, exchanging messages with Epstein while the financier was under house arrest following a 2008 conviction.
Royal expert Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London described the situation as one of the most dramatic falls from grace for a modern royal. Policing commentator Danny Shaw noted that suspects are typically held 12 to 24 hours, with a maximum of 96 hours possible under court-approved extensions. Andrew is being held in a standard custody cell without special treatment.
Royal Response and Past Controversies
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was reviewing allegations of misconduct. King Charles III expressed concern over his brother’s actions and confirmed that Buckingham Palace would support the investigation.
In October, Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and required him to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor Castle. The decision followed years of scrutiny over Andrew’s connection to Epstein, including stepping back from public duties in 2019 after a controversial BBC interview.
Andrew has not been charged in relation to Epstein and denies wrongdoing. In 2022, he reached a financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual abuse at 17. While he did not admit liability, Andrew acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre died by suicide in April at 41, and her memoir Nobody’s Girl was published posthumously in October.
