London, United Kingdom. British police searched the former mansion of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday, a day after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The search came as images of him emerging from a police station were published widely.
Arrest and investigation
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy. He was held for more than 10 hours and then released under investigation, without being charged.
Media coverage and public reaction
A Reuters photograph showed Mountbatten-Windsor in the back of a Range Rover after his release, with red eyes and what was described as a look of disbelief. The image was carried on front pages in Britain and internationally, with headlines including “Downfall.”
The first 15 pages of Friday’s Daily Mail were dedicated to the story. Several British newspapers led with King Charles’ statement that “the law must take its course,” and the arrest also featured prominently in newspapers in Australia, Europe and the United States.
Allegations linked to Epstein and released U.S. documents
Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019, and said he regrets their friendship. The release of millions of documents by the U.S. government showed he had remained friends with Epstein long after Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The files suggested Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded to Epstein British government reports about investment opportunities in Afghanistan and assessments of Vietnam, Singapore and other places he visited as the government’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.
Royal context and King Charles’ statement
The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, was described as unprecedented in modern times. The last member of the royal family to be arrested in Britain was Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649 after being found guilty of treason.
King Charles, who stripped his brother of his title of prince and forced him out of his Windsor home last year, said on Thursday he had learned about the arrest with “deepest concern.” He added: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
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