Dominic Casciani
Home and legal correspondent

Image source, Reuters

When the police arrest someone as part of an investigation, they ultimately have to decide what they want to do with the suspect, as the detention clock runs down.

Firstly, and obviously, they will charge a suspect with an offence if they have the evidence to do so.

Alternatively, they will release the suspect, declaring they are taking “No Further Action” (NFA), if they’re no longer suspected of wrongdoing.

In between charging and NFA'ing, there are two possibilities.

The first is police bail - release with restrictions on liberty, pending the outcome of the investigation.

But officers can only impose conditions if they are necessary to prevent the suspect from going on the run, committing an offence or interfering with the investigation in some other way.

Andrew’s “Release Under Investigation” (RUI) is the least intrusive option - he is not under any restrictions at all.

RUI is used when officers are in the foothills of an investigation and it would be disproportionate to impose restrictions on the life of a suspect, particularly when there is an awful lot of detective work still to be done.

A University of Birmingham study recently found officers often considered RUI to be “less faff” than bail.

And it means Andrew is free to go as he pleases, while police continue investigating. When that investigation will be completed is speculation.

Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Royal Lodge

I'm outside Royal Lodge, the day after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and subsequently released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.

This shouldn't be confused for when someone is released on bail.

If you are released on bail, there may be conditions set for you upon release that you must stick to.

You will also be given a date where you have to return to the police station to report back.

What it generally means for Andrew is that he can go about his daily life.

That said, he is still under investigation.

We know officers will be continuing to look into the case. He could also be called again for more questioning - that isn't uncommon.

That means that, right now, it's all a bit up in the air for Andrew.

In its Thursday statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Thames Valley Police said it was searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. Searches concluded in Norfolk last night but continue today in Berkshire.

Royal Lodge, Berkshire

• A 30-room, Grade II listed mansion on the Windsor estate in Berkshire - it's roughly three miles from Windsor Castle
• This was Andrew's home from 2004 until October 2025 when, following mounting scrutiny over his relationship with dead convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein - and controversy over the amount of rent Andrew paid - the Palace announced he would move out

Image source, Reuters

At around 08:00 GMT on Thursday, police officers are seen arriving at the Royals' Sandringham Estate.

The BBC announces Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest for misconduct in public office at 09:54, which is confirmed by a Thames Valley Police statement shortly after.

If you want a fuller look at the day, we have this timeline of how everything unfolded.

Image source, Getty Images

Members of the media began to gather in Norfolk and at Buckingham Palace, before the King released a statement at midday.

He said "the law must take its course" following his younger brother's arrest and went on to attend a public event at London Fashion Week.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

At around 19:00 on Thursday night, Andrew was photographed in the back seat of a car leaving Aylsham police station.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the former prince had been released under investigation, but searches have continued at the Royal Lodge on Friday morning.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

A question has come in about if the police could search storage units belonging to Andrew, or his Buckingham Palace office.

Legal expert Joshua Rozenberg says he isn't completely sure if storage units are covered by the police powers to search that come with an arrest.

If they aren't covered, then the police could obtain a search warrant if they think it contains evidence relevant to their investigation.

The same applies to Buckingham Palace, says Rozenberg, adding he is "sure" the King would waive any privileges that might restrict access.

Image source, Reuters

Next there's a question about what Andrew's arrest might mean for his children, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Royal expert Pandora Forsyth says it's important to remember that Andrew has been arrested as an individual.

"His children personally might be affected emotionally... but as it currently stands they are still princesses and in line for the throne," she explains.

Forsyth stresses that the pair are senior members of the Royal Family, and have their own causes that they are working on after the King made efforts to slim down the monarchy.

"That's the way that they wanted it to be," she continues. "I imagine in the royal calendar they won't be booked and they won't be seen for several weeks so that the story can move on away from anything lurking around Andrew."

Would an arrest normally be carried out in this way?

Legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg says that the police have experience arresting people suspected of white collar crimes.

Police usually invite someone in for interview or formally arrest them, he says. At the point of arrest, police are given powers to conduct searches at properties where the arrested person lives or has lived, he explains.

“When these things happen the last thing the police want to do is for the suspect to be tipped off,” Rozenberg says, adding that it is quite normal for officers to arrive early in the morning.

He says it is perfectly lawful for police to search properties and take the arrested person off for questioning at a police station, where they will have the chance to call their lawyer or speak to a duty lawyer.

The arrested person will be questioned while police carry out their searches - then they will be free to return home as investigations continue, he adds.

Derek from Carlisle asks if the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could mark the end of the monarchy.

Though this won't be the end of the monarchy, there will be more eyes on it than ever, says royal commentator Pandora Forsyth.

She says the next moves of the Royal Family are "so important".

Historically, Forsyth says, the royals have not been very reactive to bad press about them.

But in this case, their forthcoming actions are vital for the monarchy, their image and their longevity, she explains.

Forsyth says the sad news for the King is that this is a story that won't go away - in fact, she adds, it has amplified overnight.

Earlier, we reported that unmarked police vehicles have been arriving at Royal Lodge to continue a search at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home.

We can now share more photos of vans arriving at the residence.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

The BBC's Helena Wilkinson joins a panel of experts to answer your questions about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

That's happening over on the BBC News channel, but you can follow along by clicking watch live at the top of the page. We'll also bring you some of the questions here in our blog.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior member of the Royal Family in modern history to be arrested.

It's been more than 350 years since the last royal arrest - that was in 1647, when King Charles I was charged with treason during the English Civil War. He was put on trial two years later, found guilty and sentenced to death.

In more recent times, Andrew’s sister Princess Anne was fined £500 in 2002 under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Her English bull terrier dog Dotty bit two children, but she wasn't arrested over the offence. Anne plead guilty for the incident.

The late Prince Philip was spoken to by police in 2019 after he was pictured driving without a seat belt, but he was also not arrested.

Craig Prescott, who wrote the book Modern Monarchy and is a law lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, says the arrest is "entirely unprecedented in modern times”.

It is “of a different gravity” than Anne’s brush with the law, he says. “This is the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the Royal Family in modern times.”

Image source, Bav Media

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office - marking the first arrest of a senior royal in modern history. He has since been released under investigation.

Here's how the historic moment played out over 24 hours:

At approximately 07:30 GMT: Thames Valley Police informs the Home Office of the plan to arrest Andrew. A statement from the National Police Chiefs' Council says this is "in line with routine practice".

At around 08:00: Police officers in unmarked vehicles arrive at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Andrew has been living, and arrest him on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

09:54: The BBC is the first news outlet to confirm Andrew's arrest.

10:03: Thames Valley Police issues a statement confirming that a man in his sixties has been arrested and is in custody, and that they are carrying out searches at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire.

11:15: The Norfolk Constabulary tells the BBC it is “supporting a Thames Valley Police investigation into misconduct in a public office.”

12:00: King Charles III issues a statement expressing his "deepest concern" about his brother's arrest, and reiterates his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" with the authorities.

12:43: The Press Association reports that the Prince and Princess of Wales support the King's statement on Andrew's arrest.

Throughout the afternoon: Royal engagements continue as normal. The King is pictured at the opening of London Fashion Week in central London, while Queen Camilla is seen attending a lunchtime orchestral concert in Westminster.

18:50: A black Range Rover arrives at Aylsham Police Investigation Centre.

19:00: Andrew is photographed in the back seat of a car leaving Aylsham police station

19:37: Thames Valley Police confirm that Andrew has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It confirms that searches in Norfolk have now concluded, but continue in Berkshire.

21:30: Andrew is pictured returning to Sandringham in Norfolk.

Image source, Getty Images

If you have questions about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, we want to hear from you.

BBC News will be answering questions on the news channel at 09:30 GMT, and you'll also be able to watch live here.

You can get in touch in the following ways:   

• Email: yourvoice@bbc.co.uk, external
• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803 , external  
• Upload your questions here

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Sean Dilley and Daniel Wittenberg
Reporting from Royal Lodge

Over the past hour, we’ve seen a number of unmarked vehicles arrive at Royal Lodge. At least two were driven by uniformed police officers.

The BBC understands that inside Royal Lodge, the search continues as Thames Valley Police work through the royal residence.

A number of regular cars have also driven in and out of the white gates behind us.

The arduous task of storing and logging the evidence, assigning evidential serial numbers, and creating an inventory of seized items is likely to continue for hours and possibly days.

Thames Valley Police tells us it has nothing to add to their statement yesterday.

We're starting to see photos from Sandringham Estate, where members of the media have gathered.

We can see press, alongside broadcast equipment like cameras and tripods, gathered on a grassy area in front of the estate.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Dominic Casciani
Home and legal correspondent

Yesterday, Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office.

Misconduct in Public Office is a really complicated offence. It essentially boils down to an allegation that someone who was doing a job on behalf of the British public did something seriously wrong, knowing it to be wrong.

There are four “elements”, or factors, that police must focus on during their investigation so that prosecutors can later decide whether or not someone should be charged.

First, the police must establish whether the person they’re investigating was a “public officer” and the incident in question was plausibly part of those duties.

If that’s agreed, detectives will then look for evidence that the incident in question saw the suspect “wilfully” neglecting to perform their duty or wilfully misconducting themselves in some other way. That wordy definition has long been a source of legal debate - more on that later.

The next question is whether the action they committed was so bad that it was “an abuse of the public's trust”.

Lastly, if the evidence has passed those three tests, police need to examine whether the person under investigation acted “without reasonable excuse or justification”.

That final question is crucial. It’s a fundamental principle of criminal justice that someone suspected of wrongdoing is given an opportunity to put forward their side of the story - and that starts when the police come and knock on their door.

Daniel Wittenberg
BBC News, reporting from Royal Lodge

I’ve just spoken to Thames Valley Police, the force leading the investigation.

The force says it has nothing further to add to its statement issued last night, which said searches at an address here in Berkshire were still ongoing.

Outside the entrance to Windsor Great Park, around 100 metres from Royal Lodge, we’ve seen little sign of police activity so far this morning.

A couple of people carriers left the site at around 06:25 GMT this morning. It was still too dark to see who was inside, but they were similar vehicles to the ones we saw yesterday transporting uniformed officers.

Image source, Reuters

Yesterday, King Charles III commented on the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Here's a look back at what the King said:

"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."

It is understood that Prince William and Catherine support the King's remarks. The King has said he would not comment further on the situation while "the process continues".

BBC News understands that the King was not informed about the arrest in advance.

Royal engagements continued on Thursday, with the King appearing at London Fashion Week and Queen Camilla attending an engagement in Westminster. Meanwhile, Princess Anne made an appearance at HMP Leeds.

Sean Dilley
News correspondent, reporting from Royal Lodge

It’s a crisp and cold morning here at Royal Lodge.

Twenty-four hours ago, officers from Thames Valley Police were preparing to enter Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence as part of a co-ordinated operation to take the former Duke of York into custody.

They also began a search of this property in Windsor- and one in Sandringham, Norfolk, where Andrew now lives and returned to last night.

There’s not much to see here. It’s very dark as we’re preparing to broadcast across BBC platforms.

Currently, my colleagues are trying to confirm whether police officers are still physically searching Royal Lodge, or whether that process has ended.

As a reminder, Thames Valley Police said last night in their latest update that "searches in Berkshire are still under way". We've yet hear whether that search has concluded.

Shell-shocked photo of Andrew will be a memorable momentpublished at 06:32 GMT 20 February

06:32 GMT 20 February

Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent

Image source, Reuters

The shell-shocked, disbelieving, haunted face of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will become part of how his arrest will be remembered.

It's not a particularly edifying sight. Andrew is slumped in the back seat of a car after his release, fingers steepled, whether in prayer or protection.

His collar is up. For that matter, his collar has been felt. Was Andrew's expression of shock how he looked when he had a mugshot photo taken in police custody?

It'll become the counterpart of that other famous Andrew picture, taken almost 25 years ago, of a smiling confident prince, beside a 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre in a London townhouse, when the capital was his playground.

Being a member of the Royal Family will make no legal difference to how his case is assessed. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.

The no-nonsense police statement on Thursday morning was a bluntly worded news earthquake: "The man remains in police custody at this time."

Whoever thought we'd read that sentence when the man in question is still in the line of succession to the throne, and in theory, if not in practice, remains a counsellor of state?

• Shell-shocked, haunted photo of Andrew will be part of how arrest is remembered