Former Prince Andrew was arrested Thursday morning at his rural estate in Sandringham, approximately 100 miles from London. The arrest, linked to his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marks an unprecedented moment for the British royal family and has sent ripples through the United Kingdom.
The arrest of a member of the royal family is a rare occurrence, with reports indicating the last monarch to be taken into custody was King Charles I in 1647 during the English Civil War. This development underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for lasting repercussions for the House of Windsor.
Police conducted searches at multiple properties, including the Royal Lodge in Windsor, which is associated with the royal family. Authorities may seek access to correspondence as part of their investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s dealings with Epstein while he served as a UK trade envoy.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now formally known, was later released and will be investigated while not in custody. He reportedly spent approximately 11 hours at the police station, according to the BBC, but has not been charged or found guilty of any offense.
