Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is alleged to have passed confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein, the BBC reported.

The arrest took place on his birthday — he turned 66 that day. In a statement, Thames Valley Police confirmed that searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, and that the former prince remains in custody.

Regarding the Epstein case, it is alleged that Epstein arranged for women to be sent to the United Kingdom for sexual encounters with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III. The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein and has stated that he regrets their friendship.

Police commentator Danny Shaw said that the maximum period the former prince can be held in custody is 96 hours. In most cases, suspects are detained for 12 or 24 hours, after which they are either charged or released pending further investigation.

According to Shaw, the former prince will be held in a standard custody suite, and no special treatment will be afforded to him.

Prince Andrew, the younger brother of the King of the United Kingdom, is being stripped of all his titles – including those granted to him by birthright. Formally, he will remain a member of the royal family, but will henceforth be referred to simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, according to an official statement from Buckingham Palace.

Furthermore, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II will vacate his apartments within Windsor Castle. As reported by the BBC, Andrew is expected to relocate to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the King covering his living expenses.

The decision comes amid renewed controversy surrounding Andrew’s friendship with American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 after being accused of sexually exploiting minors.

New details of Andrew’s relationship with Epstein have surfaced this week. According to media reports, in 2006 Andrew hosted Epstein, his then-partner Ghislaine Maxwell, and film producer Harvey Weinstein (later convicted of sexual offenses) at his Royal Lodge residence during the 18th birthday celebration of Princess Beatrice. Andrew continues to deny all allegations.

«These measures are unavoidable, despite his continued denials. Their Majesties deem it essential to emphasize that their thoughts and deepest sympathy remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse», the Buckingham Palace statement reads.

Earlier in October, Andrew announced that he was renouncing his title as Duke of York. Back in 2022, he had already been stripped of most of his honors and relieved of his royal duties. However, the loss of his title does not remove him from the line of succession – he remains eighth in line to the British throne.

Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, has announced his decision to relinquish all honorary titles bestowed upon him by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The prince, whose name has repeatedly appeared in the media in connection with the notorious case of American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, described this move as the “next logical step” following his previous decision five years ago to step back from public duties as a member of the royal family.

From now on, Andrew will no longer use the titles Duke of York or Knight of the Order of the Garter. However, as the son of the late queen, he retains the rank of prince and remains eighth in line to the British throne.

«After discussing the situation with His Majesty the King and close family members, we concluded that the ongoing allegations against me have become a distraction from the work of the Royal Family. I continue to place my duty to my family and my country first. Therefore, with the King’s agreement, I have decided to no longer use the honorary titles that were granted to me. As always, I categorically deny all allegations,» he stated.

Photo: EFE

The disgraced younger brother of King Charles III, Duke Andrew of York, is reportedly planning a move to the Middle East amid scandals he has been embroiled in over recent years. At least, this is what British media reports suggest.

It is worth noting that, in addition to his association with financier and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew was recently involved in another major scandal linked to a businessman accused of spying for China. As a result of these events, the prince is reportedly considering leaving the United Kingdom, particularly exploring one of the Gulf countries. The king’s brother frequently visits the UAE, and his daughter Princess Beatrice’s trip to Abu Dhabi last month on business partly served as a «cover for him».

«He is considering moving there permanently. He is desperately trying to find ways to earn money,» one British politician told journalists.

Prince Andrew’s ties to the Persian Gulf raise fresh questions about who is funding him, as rumors suggest that money from the Middle East is keeping him afloat.