Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday at his residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, prompting a search of the property and a continuing investigation at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
The arrest, which took place just after 8 a.m. On February 19th, involved six unmarked police cars arriving at Wood Farm, a five-bedroom cottage on the Sandringham estate where Mountbatten-Windsor recently relocated, according to reports. He was released under investigation approximately twelve hours later, with searches at the Norfolk property concluded.
Thames Valley Police stated they are investigating allegations of misconduct in public office, a common law offense carrying a potential life sentence. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and objectivity of the investigation, stating, “After a thorough review, we have now opened an investigation into allegations of abuse of office.”
The investigation stems from scrutiny of documents released as part of a U.S. Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Reports suggest Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, may have passed confidential government documents to Epstein. You’ll see also allegations that Epstein arranged for a young woman to travel to the UK to meet Mountbatten-Windsor in 2010.
Nine British police authorities are currently assessing approximately three million pages of Epstein-related files released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the arrest, stating, “Anyone who has information should testify. Regardless of whether It’s Andrew or anyone else – anyone who has relevant information should contact the relevant authority.” He further asserted the principle of equality before the law, stating, “One of the basic principles of our system is that everyone is equal before the law and no one is above the law.”
King Charles III has been stripped of all royal titles. The investigation remains ongoing, with searches continuing at Royal Lodge. Police have not provided further details regarding the specific nature of the allegations or the evidence prompting the arrest.
