The British royal family will fully cooperate with police inquiries regarding former Prince Andrew’s alleged sharing of confidential government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a statement released by King Charles III on .
The announcement comes after Thames Valley Police confirmed on that a man in his sixties from Norfolk had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While police have not officially named the individual, the timing and circumstances strongly suggest the arrest relates to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now known.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles stated. “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 arrest marks a significant and unprecedented moment for the British monarchy. This proves the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior royal has been placed under arrest, signaling a potential shift in how the institution is viewed and treated under the law. The move underscores a growing erosion of deference towards the monarchy in recent years.
Thames Valley Police released a statement detailing the arrest and subsequent searches conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The arrested man was released under investigation on , approximately eleven hours after being detained at his home in eastern England. This status means he has not been charged with any offense, nor has he been cleared of suspicion.
The investigation was prompted by information brought to the attention of Thames Valley Police by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic. Republic cited documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the ongoing release of files related to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The allegations center around claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with Epstein during his time as a British trade envoy. Republic has accused him of suspected misconduct in public office and breaching laws on the retention of official secrets – charges that carry a potential life sentence in Britain.
King Charles’s statement represents a departure from the traditional “never complain, never explain” approach historically favored by the royal family, particularly by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. By publicly acknowledging the situation and pledging full cooperation with the investigation, Charles is signaling a willingness to address the allegations head-on and demonstrate transparency.
The Daily Mirror’s Royal Editor, Russell Myers, reported that the royal family received “no heads up” prior to the police’s arrest of the former prince at the Sandringham residence, despite the investigation gaining momentum. This suggests the police acted independently and without prior warning to the monarchy.
The implications of this case extend far beyond the immediate legal proceedings. The outcome of the investigation could have a profound impact on the reputation of the royal family and its relationship with the public. It also raises questions about the extent to which members of the monarchy should be subject to the same legal scrutiny as other citizens.
Mountbatten-Windsor was previously removed from royal duties in following intense scrutiny over his association with Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, but the release of new information has prompted renewed calls for a thorough investigation. He was evicted from his longtime home near Windsor Castle earlier this month and has been residing on the King’s private estate in Norfolk.
The police have urged caution regarding any publication of information related to the case to avoid potentially being in contempt of court, emphasizing the active nature of the investigation. The coming weeks and months will be critical as the investigation unfolds and the full extent of the allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor becomes clearer.
