Police activity is continuing at Royal Lodge, the former residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following his release from custody on Thursday evening. Officers remain on site as part of an ongoing investigation.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and taken to a police station in Norfolk, where he was questioned. He has repeatedly denied all allegations made against him.
What does being “released under investigation” involve?
The King’s brother was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police after spending much of his 66th birthday in custody.
Images showed Andrew reclining in the back of a vehicle as he left the police station in Aylsham. Being released under investigation means he is not subject to bail conditions. He does not face restrictions such as curfews, reporting requirements, or limits on travel.
Standard arrest procedures would have applied. Police would have informed Andrew of his legal rights at the time of arrest. On arrival at the station, a custody sergeant would have confirmed his identity and assessed whether he was fit to be detained.
Those procedures may have been affected by the presence of royal protection officers, who were likely accompanying him.
As with most arrests, Andrew would probably have had his photograph taken, along with fingerprints and a DNA sample. He would then have been placed in a custody cell, each of which includes a toilet. During his detention, he is likely to have been provided with two meals, as police stations generally serve three meals over a 24-hour cycle. A recent inspection reported that Aylsham Police Investigation Centre offers more reading materials than many other custody suites.
It remains unclear what legal advice Andrew received during his detention. Because the arrest was unexpected, he would have had to decide whether to consult the duty solicitor or wait for a specific criminal lawyer, if he has one.
In cases involving alleged white-collar offences, suspects are often held for a limited time while initial searches and interviews are conducted. Release under investigation does not prevent police from questioning him again at a later stage.
Eventually, a decision will be required from the Crown Prosecution Service, in consultation with Thames Valley Police, on whether to bring charges. That decision could take several weeks.
Are police searches still ongoing?
Earlier on Thursday, Thames Valley Police confirmed that searches were taking place at addresses in both Berkshire and Norfolk.
Unmarked police vehicles were seen entering the Sandringham Estate, where Andrew was staying at the time of his arrest.
After his release, police confirmed that searches in Norfolk had concluded. Andrew has been living temporarily on the estate while his permanent home there, Marsh Farm, undergoes renovation.
Searches at Royal Lodge, however, were still continuing as of Friday morning. Until recently, this large property in Windsor Great Park was Andrew’s main residence.
What are police trying to recover?
Speaking to BBC News, former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu explained that an arrest allows officers to seize and examine potential evidence.
This can include computers, electronic devices, documents, photographs, and any other materials relevant to the investigation. Police are also permitted to search any premises owned, occupied, or controlled by the suspect, meaning further locations could still be examined.
Is Andrew still in the line of succession?
Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne. Given the number of younger royals ahead of him, it is considered extremely unlikely that he would ever become monarch.
Removing him from the line of succession would require legislation passed by Parliament, with the agreement of all Commonwealth countries that recognise King Charles as head of state, as such a change would affect their own succession laws.
Andrew also technically retains the role of counsellor of state, which allows certain senior royals to act on behalf of the monarch when necessary. In practice, only working royals are asked to carry out these duties, but Andrew still holds the position in law.
Why was Andrew arrested?
Andrew was arrested at around 08:00 GMT on Thursday while staying on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Thames Valley Police said the arrest followed an assessment of a complaint concerning the alleged sharing of confidential material with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The arrest, which took place on Andrew’s birthday, marks the first time he has been detained by police, despite years of allegations linked to his association with Epstein.
It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest.
Details of the alleged misconduct in public office have not been made public. However, previously reported claims include allegations that Andrew shared reports from overseas trade visits, forwarded a confidential briefing on investment in Afghanistan, and passed a Treasury document to a private business associate.
Investigators may be examining material beyond the emails that appeared in Epstein-related court documents released in the United States.
Buckingham Palace has previously stated that it will cooperate fully with any police investigation.
