Former UK trade envoy and member of the British royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, widely known as Prince Andrew, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Prince Andrew turned 66 on the same day officers from Thames Valley Police detained him.
Police confirmed he is in custody while searches take place at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, including properties linked to the Sandringham Estate.
The arrest follows what authorities described as a “thorough assessment” of a complaint connected to alleged sharing of confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial in a U.S. federal jail. His death was ruled a suicide, but it fueled global scrutiny over his connections with powerful figures.
Photos earlier in the day showed several vehicles arriving at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk as the investigation began.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
The force added: “The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
He added: “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
What the Allegations Involve
Authorities are examining reports that confidential material may have been shared with Epstein during Andrew’s tenure as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, a role he held from 2001 to 2011.
According to publicly available government records, the position involved representing British business interests abroad and engaging with foreign leaders and investors.
Police previously said they were reviewing claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, as well as allegations tied to sensitive information sharing.
Andrew has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct in past cases. In 2022, he reached a civil settlement with Virginia Giuffre in the United States without admitting liability.
The present arrest centers on suspected misconduct in public office, a common law offense in England and Wales. Legal experts describe it as one of the most serious charges involving abuse of public position.
Under UK law, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. It is classified as indictable-only, meaning any trial would take place in a Crown Court.
What Happens Next
Andrew will likely be questioned under caution while in custody. He is entitled to legal representation during any police interview.
Anything he says can be included in evidence submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The CPS will decide whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for charges. That decision depends on both evidential sufficiency and public interest considerations.
Until a charge is filed, he remains a suspect. UK law presumes innocence unless and until a court finds guilt.
The arrest is seen as unprecedented in the modern history of the British monarchy. It adds a new strain to an institution already suffering years of challenge to its reputation linked to Epstein’s global network.
Public debate has intensified since Epstein’s conviction in Florida in 2008 and later federal charges in New York in 2019.
Now that a criminal investigation is active, the legal process will unfold step by step.
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It’s a bit of a cliche he was arrested on his birthday.