Ex-Prince Andrew Seen for First Time Since Arrest, Released After 11 Hours in Custody

The former Prince Andrew was seen for the first time since his arrest.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor left the Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk after spending about 11 hours in custody on Thursday, Feb. 19, his 66th birthday. He was photographed in the backseat of a vehicle.

Thames Valley Police issued an updated statement confirming the release of a “man in his sixties from Norfolk,” though Andrew was not named. “The arrested man has now been released under investigation,” the statement said.

Police added that searches in Norfolk had concluded, but searches in Berkshire — where Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge, is located — were still underway. The BBC reported earlier that Andrew’s homes were being searched.

At around 8 a.m. local time, officers arrived at Wood Farm in Norfolk, on King Charles’ Sandringham estate, where Andrew recently moved after surrendering the lease on Royal Lodge. Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The arrest follows years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Earlier this month, the BBC reported that Thames Valley Police was assessing a complaint alleging Andrew shared confidential information related to his work as a trade envoy in email correspondence with Epstein. The complaint was filed by the anti-monarchy group Republic after files were released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 30 as part of the ongoing Epstein investigation.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said after the Feb. 19 arrest, without naming Andrew. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense.”

Andrew stepped back from public royal duties in 2019 following a widely criticized BBC interview about his ties to Epstein.

In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth revoked Andrew’s military titles and patronages after a judge rejected his attempt to have Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. Andrew has denied Giuffre’s allegations and reached a settlement with her in 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

In October 2025, King Charles announced he was stripping his brother’s royal titles and honors, and it was also announced that Andrew would leave Royal Lodge, his longtime Windsor residence.

After the release of the Epstein files — which include the names of Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson — the King issued a statement saying his office would cooperate with authorities if asked.

Hours after Andrew’s arrest, the King issued another statement.

“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,” the King said on Feb. 19.

“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,” he continued. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

He concluded, “Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla continued with royal engagements on Feb. 19 despite the arrest. The Queen, 78, attended a concert and met with musicians in London, while the King, 77, held audiences and attended London Fashion Week.

Experts say Andrew could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of misconduct in public office.

Dr. Tom Frost, a senior law lecturer at Loughborough University, said it could take weeks or months for Andrew to be charged — if he is charged at all. Any decision would come from the Crown Prosecution Service after determining whether there is sufficient evidence and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.