Andrew is released from custody: Shamed former Prince is driven from police station after being arrested
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody, following his arrest on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew, who turned 66 today, was detained by officers during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the former prince had been arrested just after 10am on Thursday, with officers having 24 hours to hold him without charge from the time he arrived at a police station.
It was not immediately clear whether Andrew has been released under investigation or on bail, with the latter likely coming with certain conditions.
Andrew is pictured leaving Aylsham police station this evening in Norfolk
It is understood the former Duke of York was arrested in relation to allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paepdophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.
Andrew’s brother King Charles III was not given any prior warning of the arrest, it emerged today, although the Daily Mail revealed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s team was informed by a senior officer early this morning.
The monarch said in an unprecedented statement that ‘the law must take its course’ after expressing his ‘deepest concern’ after his younger brother was held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In an unprecedent statement released at noon today, the King said: ‘I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
‘What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
‘Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
‘As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all’.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to support the statement.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
