Police arrested and questioned Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday, his 66th birthday|Titanic Belfast|CC BY 2.0

The UK police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, yesterday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his past links to convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The arrest was on his 66th birthday. It follows newly released Justice Department emails that show his contact with Epstein was broader and lasted longer than previously known.

Police questioned Mountbatten-Windsor and later released him. While the investigation continues, officers have not disclosed the exact allegations. They confirmed that they were searching for properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. 

The files suggest he may have shared confidential government information in 2010 while serving as a trade envoy.

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing and has not commented on the latest emails. 

King Charles III said he was deeply concerned and stressed that the law must take its course.