Former British Prince Andrew arrested in misconduct probe

Thames Valley Police said they arrested a man in his 60s Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officers were conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, according to a police statement. British media identified the man as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, a younger brother of King Charles III. Formerly known as Prince Andrew, the royal family recently stripped him of his title over his connections to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Details on the reason for his arrest were scant on Thursday morning. The BBC recently reported that the former prince in 2010 sent Epstein what appeared to be a confidential brief about investment opportunities in Afghanistan. Mountbatten Windsor also sent the late financier reports from his trips as trade envoy to other countries, including Singapore and Vietnam, the outlet reported. The emails were included in the latest release of the U.S. Justice Department’s Epstein files. Mountbatten Windsor so far has denied any wrongdoing in his acquaintance with Epstein. 

Police later on Thursday said he was released under investigation, meaning he has neither been charged nor exonerated.

How did the British royal family react to the arrest? The law must take its course, King Charles III told the BBC. Authorities would have the full support and cooperation of the royal family, he said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Mountbatten Windsor’s loss of his title and residence.