LONDON — Thames Valley Police confirmed late Thursday that His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has been released from custody while remaining under active investigation. The former trade envoy was detained for several hours for questioning regarding allegations of professional misconduct during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
Law enforcement officials indicated that coordinated searches at the Duke’s residence within the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk have been completed. The Norfolk property, part of King Charles III’s private estate, was subject to thorough examination by investigators seeking evidence related to the misconduct claims.
Concurrently, search operations continue at the Duke’s former Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, located on the Crown Estate west of London. The ongoing investigation suggests authorities are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry regarding the allegations against the former prince.
The Metropolitan Police Service has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the misconduct allegations, though they are believed to stem from Andrew’s official duties between 2001 and 2011 rather than previous personal conduct allegations. The development represents another significant chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of the royal family member, who previously settled a civil sexual assault case in the United States out of court in 2022.
Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest, maintaining its position that Andrew’s affairs are now personal matters following his withdrawal from public duties. The investigation continues as authorities examine documents and electronic evidence seized during the property searches.