Prince Andrew Returns Norwegian Order of St Olav, Oslo Palace Confirms

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has returned a prestigious Norwegian royal honour that he was awarded nearly four decades ago, according to a statement from Norway’s royal palace. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny surrounding the British royal following his recent arrest in the United Kingdom.

The Order of St Olav, Norway’s highest civilian honour in peacetime, was originally bestowed on Andrew in 1988 in recognition of distinguished service. The decoration is granted by the Norwegian monarch and is typically awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to their country or to international relations.

A spokesperson for the Royal House of Norway confirmed that Andrew had chosen to hand back the order but did not provide further details, citing confidentiality around such matters. The palace declined to elaborate on whether the return of the honour was connected to current developments in Britain.

The announcement follows reports that Andrew was arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Investigators are examining allegations that he may have shared confidential government documents during his tenure as a trade envoy. Authorities have stated that inquiries are ongoing and that no formal charges have been announced.

Andrew, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and younger brother of King Charles III, has faced sustained public controversy in recent years over his past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has denied any wrongdoing related to those links.

Last year, King Charles took steps to distance the monarchy from his brother by removing his use of the title of prince in official contexts and ending certain royal privileges. Andrew no longer undertakes public duties on behalf of the Crown and has withdrawn from frontline royal life.

The Norwegian and British royal families share longstanding historical ties. King Harald V of Norway and King Charles III are related through European royal lineages that trace back to Queen Victoria and other shared ancestors. Royal honours between European houses have traditionally symbolized diplomatic goodwill and familial connections.

The return of the Order of St Olav is rare, as such distinctions are generally held for life unless formally revoked. It remains unclear whether Andrew initiated the move independently or in consultation with officials. Norwegian authorities emphasized that matters concerning honours are handled discreetly.

In the United Kingdom, the latest developments have intensified debate about accountability and the modern role of monarchy. Legal experts note that the investigation into alleged misconduct in public office is separate from previous controversies and will proceed under established legal processes.

For Norway, the matter has prompted limited official comment beyond confirmation of the returned honour. The Royal House has reiterated that it does not publicly discuss the reasoning behind decisions related to decorations and orders.