Release After Brief Detention Following Thursday Night Arrest Thames Valley Police detained 66‑year‑old Prince Andrew on Thursday and released him later that day without charge, keeping the misconduct‑in‑public‑office probe open [1][2]. The former trade envoy left the station near his eastern‑England home after roughly 11‑12 hours of custody [1][2]. Police indicated the release was procedural while the investigation continues [1].

Allegations Linked to 2010 Epstein Trade Data Exchange Detectives acted on reports that Andrew sent trade information to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, forming the basis of the alleged public‑office misconduct [1][2]. The alleged exchange involved data that could have benefited Epstein’s business interests [2]. The inquiry now examines whether the former royal abused his diplomatic role for personal gain [1][2].

First Senior Royal Arrest in Nearly Four Centuries The arrest marks the first time a senior member of the British royal family has been taken into custody since the 1640s arrest of King Charles I [1][2]. Historians note the event breaks a nearly 400‑year precedent of royal immunity from police detention [2]. The rarity underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat the allegations [1].

Searches Executed at Royal Lodge and Wood Farm Police searched Andrew’s former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor and his home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate as part of the ongoing probe [1]. The searches aimed to locate documents related to the alleged Epstein trade data exchange [1]. King5’s report did not mention these searches, focusing instead on the arrest timeline [2].

Political Fallout Extends to UK Leadership and US Officials King Charles III issued a public statement emphasizing that “the law must take its course,” while declining further comment on the investigation [1][2]. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced questions about his judgment after documents linked former ambassador Peter Mandelson to Epstein, prompting Mandelson’s removal as U.S. ambassador in September [2]. U.S. politicians, including Rep. Jake Auchincloss and Rep. Stephen Lynch, contrasted British and American accountability, and former President Trump called the episode a “shame” for the royal family [1].