London – Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on , on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following revelations contained within the files released relating to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, marks an unprecedented development in the modern era for a senior British royal.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk, accompanied by searches at properties in Berkshire, and Norfolk. While police have not formally named the individual, the confirmation aligns with reports identifying him as Mountbatten-Windsor. The investigation stems from claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with Epstein during his time as a British trade envoy.
The arrest follows a renewed examination of the Epstein files, released by the U.S. Justice Department, which suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded reports concerning Vietnam, Singapore, and other locations visited during official trips to Epstein in 2010. The anti-monarchy campaign group Republic formally reported Mountbatten-Windsor to police following the release of these documents.
King Charles III has responded to the news with “deepest concern,” stating that “the law must take its course,” according to a palace statement. Buckingham Palace also affirmed its readiness to support the police investigation and expressed sympathy for victims of abuse.
Mountbatten-Windsor was previously stripped of his royal titles and honours last October, a consequence of mounting scrutiny over his association with Epstein. He had already relinquished all official royal duties in 2019. The current investigation is separate from a 2022 civil lawsuit in the United States where he settled with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse. Police have clarified that this investigation does not relate to allegations of sexual impropriety.
Misconduct in public office carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment in the United Kingdom. The offence, defined under “Common Law” – meaning it isn’t codified in statute – presents “particular complexities” for investigators, according to Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Should charges be filed, Mountbatten-Windsor would join a small number of senior British royals to face formal criminal accusations. Historically, such instances are rare. Princess Anne was fined for speeding in 2001 and, in 2002, became the first royal in 350 years to be convicted of a criminal offence for failing to control her dog, which bit two children. The most significant historical precedent remains the trial and execution of King Charles I for treason in 1649 during the English Civil War.
Beyond the allegations of sharing confidential information, police are also assessing separate claims reported by Republic concerning the alleged trafficking of a woman to Britain for sexual exploitation in 2010. Thames Valley Police stated they are evaluating allegations that a woman was brought to an address in Windsor, where Mountbatten-Windsor previously resided.
The unfolding situation adds further strain to the British royal family, already navigating public scrutiny. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a broader investigation into the extent to which authorities may have failed to adequately vet individuals travelling through London’s Stansted Airport in connection with Epstein’s trafficking activities, suggesting previous inquiries into Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct were insufficient. Essex police have confirmed they are looking into this matter.
The arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor represents a significant moment for the monarchy, raising questions about accountability and the handling of sensitive information. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have lasting implications for the royal family and its public image.
