Ex-Prince Andrew released just 11 hours after his arrest, still ‘under investigation’

Ex-Prince Andrew was released from Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk on Thursday, February 19, which was also his 66th birthday, after spending about 11 hours in custody. Thames Valley Police confirmed he remains “under investigation.” Photographs taken after his release show him in the backseat of a vehicle leaving the station.

According to People, police arrived at Wood Farm in Norfolk at around 8 AM and took Andrew into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Wood Farm is part of King Charles’ Sandringham estate, where Andrew had recently moved to. While searches at that location have since concluded, police confirmed that investigations are still ongoing at Royal Lodge in Berkshire, Andrew’s former home.

The arrest follows years of controversy linked to Andrew’s association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his ties to Epstein. On January 30, the U.S. Department of Justice released numerous files as part of its ongoing Epstein investigation, which reportedly contained information that led to the complaint against Andrew.

Andrew is accused of sharing confidential information with Epstein through email

The complaint was made by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which alleged that Andrew shared confidential information related to his former role as a UK trade envoy in email exchanges with Epstein. His arrest on his 66th birthday shocked many who had been following the case. 

Thames Valley Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright addressed the arrest, saying, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.” He also emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity and objectivity of their investigation.

Andrew’s public royal role ended in 2019 following a widely criticized interview about his friendship with Epstein. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth revoked his military titles and patronages after a judge rejected his attempt to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. 

Andrew denied Giuffre’s allegations and reached a settlement with her in 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025. In October 2025, King Charles stripped Andrew of all remaining royal titles and honors and announced he would leave Royal Lodge.

King Charles issued a statement following the arrest, expressing “deepest concern” over the news and stating, “The law must take its course.” He also confirmed that his office would cooperate with investigators if asked. Despite the news, both King Charles and Queen Camilla carried on with their scheduled royal engagements that day; the Queen attended a concert in London, while the King held audiences and attended London Fashion Week.

Experts say that if Andrew is convicted of misconduct in public office, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. With his royal titles stripped and legal troubles mounting, many are now questioning Andrew’s remaining financial standing. 

Dr. Tom Frost, a Senior Lecturer in Law at Loughborough University, explained that it could take weeks or even months for any charges to be filed, if they are filed at all. The Crown Prosecution Service will need to determine whether there is enough evidence and whether a prosecution would serve the public interest before any charges move forward.