Overview
- Thames Valley Police detained the 66-year-old on Feb. 19 after fresh material in the Epstein Files, including emails, pointed to the alleged sharing of confidential government and trade documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Officers searched properties in Norfolk and Berkshire—including Sandringham’s Wood Farm and Royal Lodge—and took electronic devices and records for examination.
- After roughly 11–12 hours in custody, he left a police station and was freed under investigation; no criminal charge has been filed.
- Investigators will continue inquiries and pass findings to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any charging decision, a process expected to take time given the volume of documents.
- King Charles III said he was deeply concerned and pledged full cooperation, as commentators described the moment as unprecedented for the modern monarchy.