Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York, was released from police custody on Friday evening after eleven hours of questioning in connection with allegations of misconduct in public office, according to multiple reports. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday at Wood Farm in Sandringham, marks the first time a senior British royal has been detained by police in nearly 400 years.
The investigation centers on claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared official information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment. Police have not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the information allegedly shared, stating only that the inquiry relates to his time as a trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein, and has rejected any suggestion he used his role to further personal interests.
King Charles III has responded to the arrest with a statement expressing “deepest concern” and affirming that “the law must take its course.” The King’s response, reported by CNN, came as police began interviewing protection officers who previously worked with his brother.
The arrest has prompted a renewed debate regarding Mountbatten-Windsor’s position within the royal family and his continued association with public life. Government ministers are now considering legislation to remove him from the line of succession, though any such action is contingent on the outcome of the police investigation, according to Sky News. A recent poll indicates strong public support for his removal from the line of succession.
Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment from 2001, a position appointed by the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. The role involved promoting British businesses internationally and attracting foreign investment, with the former prince undertaking hundreds of trips in support of UK commercial interests. The government at the time stated his presence could be particularly valuable when negotiating with other monarchies.
The current investigation is separate from previous accusations of sexual assault and misconduct. In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault. That settlement did not include an admission of liability. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, told CNN following the arrest that his family felt sadness that she was not alive to witness the development.
Police activity continues at Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, with searches expected to continue until Monday. Metropolitan Police are also speaking to protection officers who previously worked with the Duke of York. The government has not indicated a timeline for any potential legislative action regarding his place in the line of succession.
