British authorities have announced the completion of a Norfolk Police investigation into allegations that former Prince Andrew shared confidential material with convicted US financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.
The inquiry examined claims that between 2001 and 2011, when Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, he may have transferred confidential government documents or information to Epstein. The alleged offence under review concerned misconduct in public office.
Fromer Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles III, attended a police station in Norfolk from the morning and left at around 7pm local time after providing explanations to investigators. Photographs showed him reclining in the back seat of a vehicle as he departed.
No charges at this stage
No charges have been brought against him and he strongly denies any wrongdoing.
King Charles, who has previously stated he is prepared to cooperate fully with police inquiries, issued a statement expressing “deep concern” and emphasising that justice must be allowed to take its course without interference.
The monarch added that “all citizens are equal before the law” and said he expected the process to be conducted “with thoroughness, transparency and respect for the rule of law”. He indicated he would make no further comment while proceedings remain ongoing.
Morning arrest at Sandringham estate
Former Prince Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was detained at 8am local time when plain-clothed officers arrived in unmarked vehicles at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England and requested that he accompany them to the police station.
Authorities have not disclosed whether further action will follow, but confirmed that the investigative phase led by Norfolk Police has now concluded.