Arrest former Prince Andrew...

UK police arrest former Prince Andrew amid Epstein fallout

Thames Valley Police say they have ‘arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.’

By Noah Keate

British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former prince has faced multiple allegations over his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including claims that he passed confidential documents to Epstein while he was serving as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. He has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

“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 and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk,” Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Wednesday. “The man remains in police custody at this time.”

British police do not routinely name those arrested as part of an investigation before any criminal charge is brought. Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged with an offense.

The news has prompted a rare statement from Mountbatten-Windsor’s brother, King Charles III, who said via his office that he backed the police investigation.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” he said.

“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. 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.”

The British monarch added: “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable, Oliver Wright, said in a statement: “We understand the significant public interest in this case and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.”

Starmer: nobody is above the law

Speaking before the arrest was confirmed, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was pressed on Mountbatten-Windsor’s case, and told the BBC “nobody is above the law.”

The prime minister has repeatedly urged for the royal, who was stripped of his prince title by King Charles III last year, to testify before the U.S. Congress as it investigates the Epstein scandal.

In 2019, Mountbatten-Windsor was accused in a civil lawsuit of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, but he denied all allegations.

Starmer stressed “anybody who’s got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is.” But he would not be drawn on whether the police should be involved as “they will conduct their own investigations.”