Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was taken into custody Thursday in connection with allegations that he improperly shared classified government briefings and sensitive diplomatic correspondence during his long-standing association with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley police carried out searches at his residences in Berkshire and Norfolk. Authorities did not initially identify him, describing the suspect only as “a man in his sixties.”

Following several hours of questioning, Mountbatten-Windsor was released without charges. Police emphasized that the investigation focuses on misconduct in public office and unauthorized distribution of state material, not sexual offenses, though his past association with Epstein provides context for the inquiry.

King Charles III released a statement through Buckingham Palace expressing “deepest concern” over the arrest and affirming that the law must take its course. The king emphasized the royal family’s full cooperation with investigators.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal titles were officially stripped by King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II over his connection to Epstein. He relinquished the Duke of York title in October 2025, and all remaining honors, including “His Royal Highness,” were removed. He now resides at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, having been evicted earlier from Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.

The arrest coincides with ongoing U.S. Department of Justice efforts to unseal documents related to the Epstein investigation. Some documents reportedly show Epstein facilitating meetings between Mountbatten-Windsor and young women, including an invitation extended by Andrew for Epstein to a private dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Despite losing all royal titles, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne under constitutional law. Removal from the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament, renunciation, or conversion to Catholicism.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He has been widely criticized for a 2001 photograph showing him with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, while Maxwell stood nearby. Giuffre allegedly died by suicide in April 2025.

Authorities continue to investigate the specific allegations of misconduct in public office, and further developments are expected as the inquiry proceeds.