Arrest and Ongoing Police Investigations
Prince Andrew was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his former role as the UK’s trade envoy. Police also conducted searches at his residences in Berkshire and Norfolk. While officials did not initially name him, they confirmed that a man in his sixties remains in police custody. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest.
Unmarked police cars were spotted at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has been living since leaving Windsor. Authorities emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging high public interest.
Ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Financial Dealings
Recent reports suggest Andrew may have shared sensitive documents with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a trade envoy. The Financial Times revealed emails indicating Andrew agreed to assist with an $8-billion cash-for-oil swap involving foreign entities. These exchanges allegedly began while Epstein was under house arrest following a 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.
Royal analyst Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London called the situation one of the most dramatic falls from grace in modern royal history. Policing commentator Danny Shaw noted that suspects are typically held 12–24 hours before being charged or released, with a maximum of 96 hours possible under extended judicial approval. Andrew is being held in standard custody conditions, without special treatment.
Royal Family Response and Past Controversies
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was reviewing allegations against Andrew, prompting King Charles III to express concern and pledge full support from Buckingham Palace.
In October, Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. The move followed years of scrutiny over Andrew’s connections to Epstein, including his 2019 withdrawal from public duties after a widely criticized BBC interview.
Andrew has not been charged in relation to Epstein and has denied wrongdoing. In 2022, he settled a civil case with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually abused her at age 17. While the settlement did not include an admission of guilt, Andrew acknowledged her suffering as a trafficking victim. Giuffre later died by suicide at age 41, and her memoir Nobody’s Girl was published posthumously in October.
