Police Action and Custody
Prince Andrew was taken into police custody on Thursday over allegations of misconduct during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Authorities also carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
While the police statement did not initially identify Andrew by name, it confirmed that a man in his sixties remains in custody. Investigators emphasized the need to maintain objectivity and said updates would be provided as the case progresses. Unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Sandringham, where he has been living since leaving Windsor.
Questions Around Trade Envoy Role
Recent reports suggest Andrew may have shared sensitive documents with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. The Financial Times reported emails indicating he agreed to assist in negotiating an $8-billion oil-for-cash deal involving two foreign entities, exchanging messages with Epstein during the financier’s house arrest.
Royal expert Craig Prescott from Royal Holloway, University of London described the situation as one of the most dramatic falls from grace for a modern royal. Policing commentator Danny Shaw noted that suspects are usually held 12–24 hours before being charged or released, with the maximum detention of 96 hours requiring special judicial approval.
Royal Response and Past Controversies
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was investigating allegations against Andrew. King Charles III expressed concern over the situation and stated that Buckingham Palace would support the police inquiry.
In 2019, Andrew stepped back from royal duties after a damaging BBC interview about his friendship with Epstein. He was stripped of his royal titles in October and asked to leave Royal Lodge at Windsor.
Andrew has not been charged in connection with Epstein and denies wrongdoing. In 2022, he settled a lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse at 17. While he did not admit guilt, he acknowledged her suffering as a trafficking victim. Giuffre died by suicide in April at age 41, and her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, was published posthumously in October.
