On Friday, detectives continued to focus their attention on a Norfolk residence and the former home of Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge in Windsor. This scrutiny followed the former prince’s release after being detained for 11 hours by the Thames Valley Police Force, without any charges filed against him.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any misconduct stemming from his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. The controversy revolves around his previous role as Britain’s special envoy for international trade and allegations that he shared trade information with Epstein in 2010.

These allegations emerged after the US Justice Department released a trove of documents last month, which included correspondence between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein. This disclosure was part of a larger investigation into Epstein’s activities.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright made a statement, noting, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.” This development marks a new phase in the investigation, although Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was unrelated to Epstein’s criminal abuse of young girls.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was not in relation to Epstein’s abuse of girls.

Senior members of Britain’s royal family continued to work on Thursday whilst Mountbatten-Windsor was in custody.

The King issued a statement soon after his brother’s arrest, declaring his support for police to carry out their investigation.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the King said.

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

The scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor has grown in recent years as the extent of his close friendship with Epstein was gradually revealed. 

He was formally removed of all of his royal styles and titles late last year and forced to move out of Windsor Castle after it was revealed he had lied about cutting off his relationship with Epstein after the paedophile financier was first jailed for abuse charges.

A ‘spectacular fall from grace’

“This is the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the royal family in modern times,” said Craig Prescott, a royal expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, who compared it in severity to the crisis sparked by Edward VIII’s abdication to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

“And it may not be over yet,” Prescott added.

Thursday’s arrest came a day after the National Police Chiefs’ Council said it had created a group to assist forces across the Uk that are assessing whether Epstein and his associates committed crimes in Britain.

In addition to the concerns about Mountbatten-Windsor’s correspondence, documents released by the US suggest Epstein may have used his private jet to traffic women to and from Britain.

– Reported with Associated Press

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