Former Prince Andrew was released from UK custody after 12 hours, appearing dazed and shocked according to a royal spokesperson.
Former Prince Andrew Released from Custody
British police reported that former Prince of York Andrew was released from custody. He spent 12 hours in detention. The younger brother of King Charles III left the police station in Aylsham, Norfolk, by car, lying on the back seat in a way to avoid camera lenses and photographic equipment. “He looked dazed, shocked, and hunched over,” commented a former press spokesperson for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in a conversation with BBC News.
She added that today’s events may make the royal family feel “broken and battered.”
Arrest Details
Prince Andrew, or rather Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested Thursday morning in Norfolk, where he was celebrating his 66th birthday. He was detained on suspicion of abuse of public office. This is one of the most serious offenses in English and Welsh law – it can carry a life sentence.
So far, the police have not provided more information about further steps in the proceedings or possible charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Operation Details
The arrest of the British monarch’s younger brother surprised the public worldwide. According to British media, it was an operation planned with military precision by Thames Valley Police officers, without the knowledge of King Charles III and Buckingham Palace.
Thames Valley investigators first analyzed the report of abuse of public office by the former prince and the collected evidence. Then the lead officer applied to the court for a search warrant for properties in Windsor and the Sandringham residence in Norfolk. After obtaining approval around 20 officers, supported by Norfolk police, traveled over 200 km from their headquarters in Kidlington near Oxford.
Police Protocol
Selected detectives may not have known the details until the last moment. They were called to the station in the morning, had to hand over their phones, and only then learned where they were going and who they were supposed to arrest.
For the former prince, this is the beginning of a difficult legal battle. For the British monarchy – another crisis that may have long-term consequences.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into abuse of public office continues. This means that the former prince can be summoned for further questioning at any time, or if the investigators decide, formal charges may be brought against him.
According to information published by the US Department of Justice, King Charles III’s brother, while still a UK trade representative in 2010-2011, may have shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein, including reports from visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. This information allegedly allowed him to assess investment opportunities. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denied the allegations.
