Translated with AI
On February 19, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III of Great Britain, was released after nearly 12 hours of police questioning. This was reported by the BBC and several British newspapers.
According to them, 66-year-old Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, February 19, amid an investigation into his ties to American financier Jeffrey Epstein. That evening, he left a police station in Aylsham, Norfolk, England. Media outlets published a photograph showing Mountbatten-Windsor sitting in the backseat of a car leaving the station after dark.
Police released a statement announcing that the former prince had been released "under investigation" after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This means the investigation is ongoing, but no charges have yet been brought.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's name was not directly mentioned in the morning's arrest announcement. Responding to journalists' questions, police said they had arrested "a man over 60 years of age." They also announced searches at two addresses in connection with the case.
As reported by the Associated Press, law enforcement agencies are investigating reports that the former prince sent trading reports to Epstein, a previously convicted sex offender, in 2010. The investigation was initiated following the release of millions of pages of documents collected during the Epstein investigation in the US.
According to police, the royal is suspected of abusing his position while holding official duties. Andrew was previously stripped of his title as prince after his close ties to Epstein, who was accused of underage sex trafficking and found dead in a prison cell in 2019, came to light.
Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing related to the Epstein affair and said he regretted his friendship with him.
Charles III said he was "deeply concerned" by the news of his younger brother's detention, but promised that the royal family would provide full support and assistance to law enforcement agencies to conduct a "full and fair investigation."
"Let me be clear: the law must prevail. While this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to fulfill our duty and serve you all," the king said in a statement.
