Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested latest: Former prince pictured leaving police station after properties raided
King’s brother released released under investigation after questioning in Norfolk police station
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police say.
The disgraced former prince was pictured slouched in the back of a vehicle leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk.
Police officers on Thursday evening were still searching properties linked to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor after he was arrested at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Police launched an investigation into claims that while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, he shared sensitive information, on official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore, with disgraced financier child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The claims emerged in a new tranche of emails in the so-called Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
In a statement, King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over his brother’s arrest. He added: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Home secretary alerted before arrest
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood was alerted to the arrest shortly before Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody, it is understood.
It is also understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed before the arrest.
Police still searching Royal Lodge
Plain-clothes police officers are thought to be still searching Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
Unmarked police cars were also seen at his temporary home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
The ex-prince this month temporarily moved into Wood Farm on the King's private Norfolk estate after leaving Royal Lodge, while waiting for his new home, nearby Marsh Farm, to be ready.
Trump says arrest 'bad for royal family'
US president Donald Trump said of the arrest of the King’s brother: “I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing.”
Mr Trump said the King would “obviously” be going to the US very soon.
“He’s a fantastic man – King,” he said.
Ex-prince released under investigation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police say.
Andrew pictured leaving police station upon release
Andrew released from police station
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left the police station after being arrested this morning, according to a Reuters witness.
The former prince was arrested at around 8am on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still in line for the throne?
British line of succession: Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still in line?
Watch: Police seen at Royal Lodge in Windsor and Sandringham
Former prince still in police custody
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
A suspect can generally be held in custody for up to 24 hours, but this can be extended to 96 hours if an extension is sought at a magistrates' court.
When the custody time limit has expired, most suspects are either charged or released pending further investigation.
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