Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Thames Valley Police. The arrest of a man in his 60s occurred in Norfolk on a Thursday morning at Sandringham, with subsequent searches being conducted at residences in both Berkshire and Norfolk. The individual remains in police custody as inquiries continue.

King Charles III addressed the situation, emphasizing that “the law must take its course” regarding his brother’s detention. He added that the police have his “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” while the investigation proceeds. Authorities had already been considering a probe into Andrew’s relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This ongoing review involves allegations that Andrew shared confidential government information with Epstein, as revealed by files released by the US Department of Justice.

This arrest marks the first time Andrew has been formally held by police, despite his consistent denials of any misconduct. Following a detailed evaluation, Thames Valley Police announced that a formal investigation is now underway. Additionally, earlier in February, they were examining a separate claim that Epstein had facilitated a sexual encounter in the UK in 2010, involving Andrew and a woman in her 20s who is not British. Importantly, the arrest is not connected to any sexual offense allegations.

Vehicles believed to be unmarked police cars were spotted outside Sandringham Estate, where Andrew has resided since leaving his Windsor home. The police are also searching Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Andrew’s former residence, with uniformed officers seen on site. Thames Valley Police, adhering to national guidance, declined to publicly name the arrested man and reminded the public to avoid actions that could lead to contempt of court. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright acknowledged the high public interest in the case and promised updates at the appropriate time, while Norfolk Constabulary confirmed they are assisting with the investigation.

Previously, Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, a role that involved extensive international travel and access to senior government and business figures. Documents from the US Department of Justice suggest that in 2010, Andrew forwarded reports from official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China to Epstein. These documents also indicate he shared information about investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s gold and uranium sectors. Under trade envoy guidelines, he was required to maintain confidentiality about sensitive commercial or political matters encountered during his official duties.

King Charles expressed his “deepest concern” upon learning of his brother’s arrest, calling for a fair and proper investigation by the relevant authorities. He stated, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” and refrained from further comment while the matter is ongoing. The King and Buckingham Palace reportedly were not forewarned about the arrest, which coincided with Andrew’s 66th birthday.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing relating to Epstein and has not responded to recent requests for comment, especially regarding allegations connected to the release of millions of Epstein files. He previously settled allegations brought by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced into sexual encounters with Andrew in the early 2000s, including on Epstein’s private island, Little St James. That settlement did not involve an admission of guilt on Andrew’s part. In 2019, Andrew withdrew from royal duties, citing the impact of the allegations on the royal family. Over time, he lost his military ranks and royal patronages amid legal actions including a civil suit filed by Giuffre in the United States in 2022. In October 2025, Andrew was officially stripped of his princely title, coinciding with the posthumous release of Giuffre’s memoir and further revelations about his connection to Epstein

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