London – King Charles III has publicly addressed the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, expressing “deepest concern” and affirming the importance of due process. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police on Thursday, , relates to allegations of misconduct in public office.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles stated in a release issued through Buckingham Palace. He emphasized that the ensuing investigation must be “full, fair and proper” and conducted by the appropriate authorities. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” the King added.
The King’s statement, reported by multiple news outlets including TIME, CBS News, and the BBC, underscores a commitment to allowing the legal process to unfold without interference. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” he said, adding that he would refrain from further comment while the investigation is ongoing. He concluded by reaffirming the royal family’s dedication to public service, stating they would “continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk, but declined to name the individual, citing national guidance. The arrest occurred on Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday. Police are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of their investigation. According to a police statement, the inquiry stems from a thorough assessment of allegations concerning misconduct in public office while Mountbatten-Windsor served as a British trade envoy.
The arrest follows renewed scrutiny prompted by the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. An anti-royal organization had previously called for a police investigation into claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with the late American sex offender. The timing of the arrest, coinciding with the release of these files in January, has drawn significant attention.
This is not the first instance of controversy surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with Epstein. Last year, King Charles stripped his brother of his royal titles amid intense public criticism and accusations made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to engage in sexual encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor when she was a teenager. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied these accusations.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, released a statement expressing gratitude to British police for the arrest, stating that their “broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.”
The arrest of a member of the British Royal Family on suspicion of misconduct in public office is an unprecedented event with potential ramifications for the monarchy. While King Charles has publicly affirmed his support for the investigation, the unfolding situation is likely to fuel further debate about the role and accountability of the royal family in modern Britain. The police have released Mountbatten-Windsor under investigation, meaning he has been released while the investigation continues, and is required to cooperate with authorities.
The case is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, raising questions about the extent to which individuals with royal status are subject to the same legal standards as other citizens. The outcome of the investigation will likely have a lasting impact on public perceptions of the monarchy and its relationship with the legal system.