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 came after an investigation into claims that he shared confidential government information with the late Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in recently released U.S. Justice Department files.
The 66-year-vintage was taken into custody from his residence in Norfolk, eastern England, with searches likewise conducted at addresses in Berkshire, according to police. Authorities have not named the arrested individual, citing standard procedure, but the timing and details align with Mountbatten-Windsor’s situation.
The investigation centers on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, whereas serving as a British trade envoy, passed on official reports detailing investment opportunities to Epstein in 2010. Emails released by the Justice Department display the former prince forwarded confidential briefs on visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to Epstein shortly after receiving them. One email exchange also appears to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing a “confidential brief” on potential investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
King Charles III issued a statement acknowledging the arrest and affirming his support for a “full, fair and proper process.” “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,” Charles said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
The arrest follows a period of intense scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein. Buckingham Palace previously stated it would cooperate with any police inquiry. Last week, a spokesperson said the King had expressed “profound concern” over the allegations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the principle of equality under the law when asked about the arrest. “I think that’s a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law,” Starmer said in an interview with BBC News.
The developments come after the anti-monarchy group Republic called for a formal investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s actions as a trade official, following the release of the Epstein files. The files also contained a draft email appearing to confirm the authenticity of a photograph previously questioned by Mountbatten-Windsor, showing him with Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles last year amid accusations by Giuffre that she was trafficked to engage in sex with him when she was underage. He denied the allegations but reached a settlement with Giuffre in 2022, reportedly paying around $16 million. Giuffre’s siblings released a statement following the arrest, stating, “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.” They added, “Virginia did this for you.”
The Thames Valley Police investigation remains ongoing, and Mountbatten-Windsor remains in custody. The force has not indicated when further information will be released.
