Andrew was arrested in Norfolk on Thursday morning at approximately 08:00 GMT and was then released from custody later that day after Thames Valley Police announced that they had completed a thorough assessment and determined that an active investigation was warranted. Police representatives did not disclose the name of the subject of the investigation to adhere to national guidance prohibiting the identification of individuals who are being investigated for public office misconduct, but they cautioned that as the investigation is active, individuals should be extremely cautious about commenting on any aspect of the investigation, as doing so may result in being found guilty of contempt court.
There has been a considerable amount of public interest in this case, and there are many people who are interested in receiving updates on this case at the appropriate time, and there will be updates provided at that time. In addition, the Norfolk Constabulary has confirmed that they are providing assistance to the Thames Valley Police in support of the investigation.Previously, police officers were examining claims which were made about Prince Andrew and the late Jeffrey Epstein. The US Department of Justice released files that contained emails exchanged between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. Also, they are investigating another claim that a woman who was in her twenties was sent over from the US by Mr. Epstein to have sex with Prince Andrew in the UK in 2010.
Links to Epstein Documents
The documents obtained in the US indicate that in 2010 Prince Andrew provided Mr. Epstein with government reports regarding the trade visits he made to Vietnam, Singapore and China. The files also suggest he gave Mr. Epstein updated information on potential international investments to be made in gold and uranium in Afghanistan.
Prince Andrew held the position of trade representative for the UK from 2001 until 2011, which is a position that required him to keep any sensitive information regarding business or political dealings from his visits to other countries confidential. As per official policy, trade representatives are not able to divulge any aforementioned information.
Prince Andrew has always denied committing any crime during his association with Mr. Epstein; however Prince Andrew has not made any public statements regarding allegations which have been made against him or his association with Mr. Epstein following the release of millions of documents related to Mr. Epstein in January 2020 related to his allegations against Prince Andrew.
Response from The Royal Family and the Public
King Charles III stated that when he heard about his brother's arrest he was "very concerned". In a previous public announcement "the police have my whole heart support & co-operation" and "To be clear: the law must take its course" he also will not be making any further comment until the investigation is complete.
According to information from the BBC the Price & Princess of Wales are in support of his Majesty's comments. It was also reported that neither his Majesty nor Buckingham Palace received any advanced notification regarding the arrest which occurred at Sandringham on the eve of Andrew's 66th Birthday.
Queen Camilla, when asked about the arrest whilst at a public event, did not give a comment regarding the incident and no member of the royal family has given an excuse for missing their scheduled duties; instead they have continued with respect to their scheduled responsibilities.
Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the UK has submitted a five (5) page letter to various police agencies regarding the Epstein files giving further information to assist the judicial system providing justice to women and children that have been trafficked. He believes this will be done by providing additional evidence against Andrew.
Virginia Giuffre has previously been allegedly sexually assaulted by Prince Andrew, settled out of court (without admission of guilt), at some point in November 2022. Her brother, Sky Roberts believes that due to this arrest that his sister has been "vindicated" and referred to it as a "win for survivors." Since Andrew has stepped down from being a member of the Royal family & has lost his military ranks and royal titles, he should have been removed from the Royal family after the publication of Virginia's posthumously released memoir and further reveals of his relationship with Epstein, but he is still eighth in line to the throne.
Former President of The United States, Donald Trump referred to this situation as a "very sad" event for The Royal family. With that said: "As the investigation continues, the legal system will run its entirety".
