Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was reportedly processed like a “common criminal suspect” following Thursday morning’s arrest.
About 20 officers from Thames Valley Police, supported by their colleagues from the Norfolk Constabulary, were involved in the arrest and subsequent raid of the disgraced royal’s new Wood Farm home on the Sandringham Estate, according to the Telegraph.
They arrived in multiple unmarked cars and announced themselves to staff before telling Andrew, who turned 66 that day, that he was being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, per the UK Sun.
He was then issued the standard warning: “You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defense if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court.”
Andrew was reportedly allowed to get ready under careful watch of one of the arresting officers. His two private bodyguards, former Metropolitan Police Service officers, reportedly remained by his side as authorities searched the property.
About an hour later, Andrew was loaded up into the back of one of the unmarked cars and seemingly rode solo to the Aylsham Police Station. A Norfolk Constabulary car drove ahead, while another carrying his bodyguards followed behind.
It is believed that Andrew was not handcuffed, as he has no history of violence and would be unlikely to try to escape.
Upon arrival at the station, a sergeant confirmed the grounds for the arrest were lawful before authorizing his detention. Andrew was then examined to ensure he was mentally and physically fit to be detained and interviewed.
Afterward, he was searched for anything that could be used to harm himself or others before being ordered to hand over his phone and all accessories, such as his belt.
Andrew then got his mug shot taken, was fingerprinted and submitted a saliva sample for DNA purposes. It’s unclear whether he was held in a cell or private room, with or without one or more bodyguards.
However, a typical cell is described as “austere,” as it contains a mattress raised six to 12 inches off the floor and a toilet screened off inside.
Andrew was allowed to make one call before being questioned, and it’s believed he phoned a top lawyer. The lawyer was likely present for the interview, though the two are permitted to converse beforehand.
Meanwhile, investigators searched the Wood Farm location as well as Andrew’s former Royal Lodge home in Windsor for about the length of time that he was in custody.
Andrew was released close to 7 p.m. and looked terrified as he sat in the back of a car and was driven off.
He knew nothing of the police swoop in advance, and neither did his brother, King Charles III.
Following the arrest, the monarch, 77, said in a statement, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“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 co-operation.”
Andrew has been accused of sending confidential government documents to late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
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