Police search residence of former Prince Andrew in Epstein probe

British police on Friday searched properties linked to Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, a day after his arrest over alleged misconduct during his time in public office.

Andrew, 66, younger brother of King Charles III, was detained on Thursday on suspicion of breaching conduct rules in public office. The investigation centers on claims that he sent confidential UK government documents to the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Read more: Ex-prince Andrew released from UK police station after hours of custody

Authorities held the former prince for more than 10 hours before releasing him on bail without charge. A Reuters photograph showed him seated in the back of a Range Rover shortly after his release.

Image credit: Reuters/Phil Noble

Police said searches were carried out at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where Andrew is currently staying, as well as at his former residence in Windsor. Officers confirmed the Sandringham search had concluded, while inquiries in Windsor remain ongoing.

Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, who died in 2019. US government document releases have shown the two remained in contact after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

According to the files, Andrew allegedly shared reports with Epstein related to UK government trade and investment opportunities in Afghanistan, Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries he visited in an official capacity.

Read more: King Charles backs police probe into brother ex-prince Andrew

The arrest marks a rare moment in modern British royal history. Charles I, executed in 1649 after being convicted of treason, was the last royal to be detained.

King Charles III, who stripped his brother of royal duties and required him to vacate his Windsor home last year, said he received news of the arrest with “the deepest concern.”

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the King said, adding that authorities should conduct a “full, fair and proper process.”

Under UK law, misconduct in public office can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted in Crown Court.