Why Was Prince Andrew Released From Police Custody Hours After His Shocking Arrest?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from police custody hours after his shocking arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

King Charles III confirmed in a statement released on Thursday, February 19, that his brother Andrew had been arrested.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” he said, according to the statement shared with Us Weekly. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”

Charles’ statement continued, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

A photo released 11 hours following his arrest showed Andrew looking distressed while sitting in the back of a car after he was released from custody.

Keep scrolling for everything to know about why Andrew was released:

Why Was Prince Andrew Released After His Arrest?

U.K.’s Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew’s release from police custody hours after his arrest. The authorities told multiple outlets that the former Duke of York “has now been released under investigation.” Essentially, this means no charges were officially filed, nor has Andrew been cleared.

“Thames Valley Police will not be making any further statement at this time and will not be holding a press conference or conducting any media interviews in relation to this investigation,” the statement added.

When Was Prince Andrew Arrested?

News broke on February 19 that Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. While the police did not confirm the name of the suspect they had taken into custody, due to national guidance, multiple outlets confirmed that it was Andrew. Charles’ statement also confirmed Andrew’s arrest.

Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested?

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which is defined as “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.”

Earlier this month, U.K. authorities confirmed they were looking into Andrew following allegations that the disgraced royal family member shared confidential information with late billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

How Was That Photo of Prince Andrew After His Release Taken?

Hours after Andrew’s arrest, a photo of him sitting in the backseat of a car went viral. Reuters snapped the photo and subsequently explained how the viral moment came to be.

Photographer Phil Noble received a tip leading him to the police station in the England town of Aylsham. After hours of waiting, Noble received a call that there were two cars leaving the station. After snapping six frames — ”two showed police, two were blank, one was out of focus,” per the outlet — the one photo of Andrew in the second car was published.

“You can plan and use your experience and know roughly what you need to do, but still everything needs to align,” Noble told Reuters of the moment. “When you’re doing car shots it’s more luck than judgment.”