Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested in Epstein-linked misconduct probe

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on misconduct suspicion

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest by Thames Valley Police is connected to an investigation into the alleged sharing of confidential material with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He was arrested at approximately 08:00 GMT at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he has been staying. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday.

Released under investigation after custody

Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation on Thursday evening after being held in custody for much of the day. He was pictured leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the release in a statement. Being released under investigation is typical in such cases and does not preclude further questioning or action.

Neither King Charles III nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest. A decision on whether to charge him will be made by the Crown Prosecution Service in consultation with police, a process that could take weeks.

Allegations center on sharing confidential documents

While the full specifics are unknown, the misconduct investigation is understood to involve the alleged sharing of official, confidential material. Previously reported allegations include:

• Sharing reports from trade visits.
• Forwarding a confidential briefing on investment in Afghanistan.
• Passing a Treasury briefing to a personal business contact.

BBC News correspondent Daniel Sandford said part of the investigation likely involves "the sharing of documents within the Epstein files" between Andrew and Epstein himself. Police may also be examining communications beyond those already seen in the public files.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated, "We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."

Police conduct searches at multiple properties

In addition to the arrest, Thames Valley Police carried out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. Unmarked police vehicles were seen at Sandringham prior to the arrest.

Searches at the Norfolk locations have concluded. In Berkshire, officers were seen at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Andrew's former home.

Former Met Police chief superintendent Dal Babu explained the arrest enables police "to access computer equipment, files, photographs, any other evidence" and to search premises he owns or controls.

The legal test for misconduct in public office

Misconduct in public office is a complex common law offence. BBC legal correspondent Dominic Casciani outlines the four elements police must establish:

• The suspect was a "public officer" acting within their duties.
• They "wilfully" neglected their duty or misconducted themselves.
• The action was so serious it constituted "an abuse of the public’s trust".
• The suspect acted "without reasonable excuse or justification".

The final point is crucial, as it allows the suspect to present their side of the story. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

King Charles says the law must take its course

King Charles III issued a statement following his brother's arrest. "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor," the statement read.

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated... Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."

The King added that it would not be right to comment further while the process continues. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Jeffrey Epstein.