Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest occurred on the morning of his 66th birthday and prompted a statement from King Charles III.
Police are conducting searches at residences belonging to Mountbatten-Windsor in Sandringham and Windsor, according to reports. The investigation is linked to a recently released set of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, though the precise nature of the alleged misconduct has not been disclosed.
King Charles III responded to the news of his brother’s arrest with a brief statement, saying, “I have learned with the deepest concern the arrest of my brother, Andrew. The law must take its course,” according to multiple news outlets.
The arrest follows years of scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He previously faced allegations of sexual assault, which he denied, and settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre in 2022. The settlement did not include an admission of guilt.
The investigation is being led by Thames Valley Police, and authorities have not provided a timeline for the completion of their inquiries. Mountbatten-Windsor remains in custody as of Thursday afternoon. No further official comment has been issued by Buckingham Palace beyond King Charles’ initial statement.
