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

Remi Tinubu fulfils N10m pledge to 12-year-old Ogun artist

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has fulfilled her N10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State…

6 hours ago

Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ home

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt at the residence of…

6 hours ago

2027: INEC opposes Atiku’s bid to amend suit against Tinubu, APC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed an application by the African Democratic Congress…

6 hours ago

FG begins N18bn payout to ex-Nigeria Airways workers

More than two decades after Nigeria Airways was liquidated, the Federal Government has begun settling…

7 hours ago

Melaye to EFCC: Invite Atiku, face trouble

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against…

7 hours ago

T-Pain sues Akon’s label over $489,000 royalties

American singer T-Pain has taken legal action against Konvict Entertainment, the record label founded by…

8 hours ago

This website uses cookies.