Former Prince Andrew of Great Britain was released from custody shortly after 9 PM local time after he was held for several hours under suspicion of misconduct related to his tenure as a commercial envoy. British media reported on the incident, with images showing the embattled royal leaving the police station and appearing dejected in the back seat of a car. Andrew is expected to stay at his new residence at the Sandringham royal estate in eastern England following his release.

According to reports from BBC and other news outlets, Andrew's detention was linked to his associations with Jeffrey Epstein, as the police treated him as a suspect in the investigation into allegations of misconduct. The Thames Valley police department issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing nature of their inquiry into the alleged offense, which adds further scrutiny to Andrew’s previously controversial public image.

This development raises significant public interest concerning the royal family, especially in light of previous scandals involving the prince. As the investigation continues, more information may surface, further influencing public perception and the royal family's dynamics. The implications of Andrew's past connections with Epstein remain a sensitive issue that could affect not only his reputation but also the prestige of the monarchy itself.