London police are appealing for information from former protection officers who served King Charles III’s brother, Andrew, Duke of York, as part of ongoing investigations related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The move comes after the Duke of York was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, a development that has sent shockwaves through the British monarchy.
The arrest, which occurred on the Duke’s 66th birthday, centers on allegations that he sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. A British government official, speaking anonymously, indicated that legislation could be considered to remove Andrew from the line of succession – currently eighth in line to the throne – once the police investigation concludes. Any such change would require consultation with other Commonwealth realms where King Charles also serves as head of state.
In a separate but related inquiry, London’s Metropolitan Police announced Friday it is contacting both current and former officers who worked closely with the Duke of York. “They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us,” a police statement read. The Metropolitan Police reiterated its appeal for anyone with recent or relevant information to come forward, assuring the public that all allegations will be thoroughly assessed.
The Duke of York has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, whose death in a New York jail in 2019 was ruled a suicide, and has expressed regret over the friendship. However, recently unsealed court documents have brought renewed scrutiny to his relationship with Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse. In 2022, the Duke settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a minor. British media reported the settlement reached approximately £12 million (approximately $16.2 million as of February 22, 2026), though the Duke continues to deny ever meeting Giuffre.
Previous Investigations and Renewed Scrutiny
This is not the first time London police have investigated allegations related to Epstein. A previous investigation launched in 2016 found insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges. However, that decision has been reviewed three times since, and police are now revisiting the matter in light of the recent release of documents from a U.S. Federal court. These documents have revealed details of Epstein’s extensive network and raised questions about potential human trafficking and sexual exploitation facilitated through private flights into London airports. Police are actively seeking further information from law enforcement partners in the United States regarding these flights, mirroring investigations underway at three other British airports. The relationship between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of controversy for years.
The Duke of York was released under investigation after more than 10 hours of questioning by Thames Valley Police. A Reuters photograph taken after his release showed him appearing visibly distressed, with reddened eyes and a slumped posture in the back of a Range Rover. The image quickly circulated in media outlets worldwide, with headlines such as “Downfall” reflecting the gravity of the situation.
King Charles Responds, Succession Questions Loom
King Charles III responded to the news of his brother’s arrest with “deepest concern,” stating, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.” Julian Payne, Charles’ former communications chief, explained that the King’s direct statement was intended to demonstrate leadership and reassure the public. “After all, how many other leaders around the world are judged through the actions of their relatives?” Payne told Reuters.
Police have conducted searches at Wood Farm, located on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where the Duke of York currently resides, and at his former mansion in Windsor. Authorities have emphasized that an arrest does not imply guilt, but a conviction for misconduct in a public office carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment and would be handled in a Crown Court.
The arrest of a senior royal is unprecedented in modern times. The recent release of Epstein files revealed that the Duke of York maintained a friendship with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. These files also suggest that the Duke shared British government reports with Epstein, covering investment opportunities in Afghanistan, Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries he visited in his role as a trade envoy.
As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of removing the Duke of York from the line of succession remains a significant point of discussion. The government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity stressed that any changes to the line of succession would require careful consideration and agreement with other Commonwealth realms.
The Metropolitan Police continue to urge anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal further details about the extent of the Duke of York’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the potential implications for the British monarchy.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
