Crisis for royal family after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor questioned by police – latest updates | UK news
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A search by UK police continues at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former Berkshire home following the former prince’s arrest on Thursday.
Although Thomas Valley police have completed searches at Mountbatten-Windsor’s home on the Sandringham estate where he was arrested, the search continues at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
It is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was notified before his arrest on Thursday morning. However, it is understood that the Home Secretary had been warned about Andrew’s arrest shortly before he was taken into custody.
Thames Valley Police refused to brief the Home Office before making the arrest, but issued a statement from the National Police Chiefs’ Council to clarify that the NPCC had done so.
The statement said: “In line with routine practice, the National Police Chiefs’ Council warned operational colleagues at the Home Office about the arrest. This was 30 minutes before Thames Valley Police made the arrest.”
PA contributed to reporting.
Opening Summary
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from custody by UK police on Thursday following his arrest on suspicion of abuse of public office. No charges were filed against him.
The arrest of the 66-year-old former prince sent shockwaves across Britain and abroad; This marks the first arrest of a senior member of the royal family in nearly 400 years.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest follows the recent release of files on disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince has denied all allegations related to Epstein, including the allegation that he shared sensitive information with him while serving as trade envoy.
King Charles issued a statement on Thursday in which he said “the law must take its course” without referring to Mountbatten-Windsor as his brother.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, called Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest a “very sad thing” and added that it was a “shame” as US lawmakers and Epstein survivors called for justice in the US.
Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates.
