Categories: Just Politics

Police release ex-prince Andrew after arrest over misconduct

Britain’s former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles’ younger brother who turned 66 on Thursday, had been questioned all day by detectives from Thames Valley Police.

Earlier this month, the police force said it was looking into allegations that he had passed documents to the late convicted sex offender while working as a trade envoy.

The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles said in a statement.

A Reuters witness saw the former prince leaving a police station in Aylsham, eastern England, where he was met by a small group of photographers and television crews on Thursday evening.

A picture taken after his release shows him seated inside a car, appearing visibly shaken.

Thames Valley Police said later on Thursday that “the arrested man” had been “released under investigation.”

Although Buckingham Palace was not informed in advance about the arrest, Charles said the authorities had the family’s “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”.

The monarch said: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

The king visited a fashion show in London on Thursday, making no further public comment.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and said he regrets their friendship.

His office did not respond to a request for comment and he has not spoken publicly since the release of more than 3 million pages of documents by the U.S. government relating to Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Guardiola turns down Italy coach job, chooses family time

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has turned down an offer to become the head…

58 minutes ago

Jurgen Klopp appointed new Germany coach

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named the head coach of Germany national team.…

1 hour ago

Former adult film actress sworn in as Colombian senator

Former adult film actress Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz has been sworn in as a senator…

2 hours ago

Motorists stranded as multiple crashes cause gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

A multiple-vehicle accident involving a Toyota Sienna and two Cabster trucks has caused severe traffic…

3 hours ago

Kano to launch state-owned airline — Gov Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline as…

3 hours ago

Fake doctor confesses treating 15 patients before arrest

A 39-year-old man arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor in Cross River State…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.