King Charles III’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest came after police assessed a complaint regarding the alleged sharing of confidential material with the late Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports.
The arrest of the 66-year-classic Mountbatten-Windsor occurred at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he resides, with searches also conducted at Royal Lodge in Berkshire, his former residence. Six unmarked police vehicles were observed arriving at Wood Farm early Thursday morning, Reuters reported.
In a statement released Thursday, King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over the arrest. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” the King stated. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
Thames Valley Police stated that a man in his sixties was arrested in Norfolk and that searches were being carried out in both Norfolk and Berkshire. The police force did not name the individual, citing national guidance. “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,” the police statement read.
Later Thursday, Thames Valley Police announced that the arrested man had been released under investigation. This means he is free to go without restrictions while the investigation continues. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity and objectivity of the investigation, noting the public interest in the case.
The investigation follows the release of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department, which prompted the anti-royal organization to call for a police investigation into allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with Epstein when serving as a British trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Buckingham Palace has not released any further statements beyond the King’s initial response. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details have not been disclosed by Thames Valley Police.
