Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has not been charged and has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The 66-year-old was detained at around 8am at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest and said searches were also being carried out at an address in Berkshire.
Legal proceedings became active at the moment of arrest. But what happens next – and when might he be free to return home?
How long can he be held?
In cases involving allegations of this nature, an initial arrest typically lasts only a matter of hours.
An arrest is an investigative tool used by police to gather evidence. Whilst he is in custody, officers are able to conduct searches, secure evidence and carry out an initial interview under caution.
Although police have the power to detain someone for up to 24 hours – and can seek extensions in certain circumstances – it is unlikely that such a prolonged detention would be necessary in this type of investigation.
In most comparable cases, the individual is released later the same day.
Police bail and further inquiries
If released, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would usually be placed on police bail, meaning he would be free to return home but required to attend a police station at a later date if requested. Bail conditions can vary but often include requirements to return for further questioning.
The investigation is understood to relate to whether sensitive information was shared with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein during the period when Andrew served as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. He has denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Police inquiries at this stage are focused on gathering and reviewing evidence. That process can take time, particularly where digital material and historic communications are involved.
The charging decision
Ultimately, the decision on whether to bring charges would rest with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), working in conjunction with Thames Valley Police.
Legal observers suggest it may be weeks before a substantial decision is reached. Prosecutors would need to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and whether a prosecution would be in the public interest.
If no charge is authorised, the matter would end there. If a charge were brought, the case would proceed through the criminal courts.
When could he return home?
If, as is typical in such investigations, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is released on police bail following questioning, he would be free to return home later the same day.
For now, the process remains at an early stage. No charge has been brought, and the coming weeks are likely to determine whether the investigation proceeds to the courtroom or concludes without further action.
