On the morning of February 19, police in the UK detained the brother of King Charles III, the former Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Today he turned 66 years old.
It was reported by the BBC.
The detention took place on suspicion of abuse of public office.
Law enforcement officials are investigating a complaint that concerns Andrew's alleged transfer of confidential material to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Police are also conducting searches in Berkshire and Norfolk counties. However, it is not known where Andrew was arrested.
Cars arrive at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk
It is also unclear how long police can hold the ex-Prince in custody. Typically, suspects are detained for 12 or 24 hours and then either charged or released pending further investigation.
Andrew denies any wrongdoing.
Last year, following reports of his ties to Epstein, Charles III stripped him of all his titles.
What is known about the scandal around Prince Andrew?
The scandals surrounding Andrew have been going on for over a decade. Since 2011, he has gradually lost official roles, and in 2022 he was stripped of his military ranks and royal patronage following allegations of sexual abuse against Virginia Giuffre, who had previously reached an out-of-court settlement with him.
The story was recently brought back to the spotlight by the publication of Giuffre's memoir and the release of a 2011 email between Andrew and Epstein that reveals the close nature of their relationship.
According to sources, Charles's decision was supported by other members of the royal family, including the heir to the throne, Prince William. Experts note that the monarch seeks to protect the reputation of the institution, which is gradually declining in popularity among young people.
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