A former senior member of Britain’s royal family, now using the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after losing his royal titles, has been released from police custody as investigators continue examining allegations tied to misconduct in public office.
Officials with Thames Valley Police confirmed that “a man in his sixties” was freed Thursday while inquiries remain ongoing. Authorities said searches connected to the case had concluded in Norfolk but investigative activity will continue in Berkshire.
Police opened the investigation earlier following what they described as a detailed assessment of newly reviewed materials. Under United Kingdom legal practice, officers initially avoided publicly identifying the suspect. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested amid renewed scrutiny tied to allegations involving sensitive documents reportedly shared years earlier.
According to reports, investigators are reviewing claims that confidential trade materials connected to Southeast Asia travel in 2010 were communicated to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein through email correspondence. The messages were among millions of documents released recently by U.S. authorities, prompting further examination by British law enforcement.
In a public statement, King Charles III said he learned of his younger brother’s arrest “with the deepest concern,” emphasizing that authorities should be allowed to complete their work without interference. The monarch added that the royal family would continue cooperating fully with investigators while refraining from additional comment as the legal process unfolds.
Allegations surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s past association with Epstein have circulated for years, including accusations involving sexual misconduct that he has consistently denied. Renewed attention followed the publication of memoirs by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, whose family welcomed news of the arrest and praised investigators for pursuing the case.
Images circulating online appeared to show unmarked police vehicles outside Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where plainclothes officers were seen gathering during search operations. Authorities have not announced any charges, and the investigation remains active.
