Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by police

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a 66-year-old man, which occurred on his birthday at his home on the Sandringham estate.

The arrest follows a police investigation into allegations that emerged from the recent release of millions of pages of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew is the first senior royal in modern British history to be arrested.

Police investigate Epstein-linked allegations

Thames Valley Police stated its investigation relates to allegations the former prince shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. The force is also assessing a separate allegation that a woman was trafficked to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew.

Officers conducted searches at two properties: his current home at Wood Farm in Sandringham and his former residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor. The police force emphasized the "particular complexities" of investigating the common law offence of misconduct in public office.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and previously settled a civil sexual abuse lawsuit in the United States in 2022. The current criminal investigation is not related to that civil case.

The King and Buckingham Palace respond

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

He added that authorities have the royal family's "full and wholehearted support and cooperation" and that "the law must take its course." Buckingham Palace stated it was ready to support any police investigation and expressed "profound concern" at the allegations.

The palace also said the King's "thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse."

Mountbatten-Windsor's fall from royal life

The arrest is the latest development in a dramatic fall from grace for the former prince. His ties to Epstein have led to a series of unprecedented consequences:

• He was forced to quit all official royal duties in 2019.
• King Charles stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022.
• He was evicted from his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, and moved to the smaller Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.
• He now faces a criminal investigation that could lead to a Crown Court trial.

A conviction for misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The investigation was triggered after the anti-monarchy group Republic filed a report with police following the Epstein document release.

Wider police inquiries and historical context

The allegations under review are extensive. The recently unsealed Epstein files suggested Andrew forwarded official trip reports about Vietnam and Singapore to Epstein in 2010.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also called for an investigation into how Epstein trafficked women through London's Stansted Airport without proper checks. Essex Police confirmed on Wednesday it was looking into this separate issue.

If charged, Andrew would join an extremely small group of senior royals formally accused of offences. His sister, Princess Anne, was convicted in 2002 for a dog-biting incident. The last monarch tried for a crime was King Charles I, who was found guilty of treason and beheaded in 1649.

Thames Valley Police stated the arrested man remains in custody and that updates will be provided "at the appropriate time." Andrew's office did not respond to requests for comment following his arrest.