Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, was arrested today by police investigating misconduct in public office. Investigators simultaneously raided Windsor Castle, near London, and the royal estate in Sandringham, Norfolk. Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles, is suspected of sharing secret information with Jeffrey Epstein, the powerful American financier and convicted sex trafficker who died in jail awaiting trial in 2019.
"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.
"The man remains in police custody at this time.
"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "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.
"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
It is Mountbatten-Windsor's first arrest, but he had already lost his title and other royal appurtenances over his association with Epstein. The then-Prince Andrew remained friends with Epstein for years after the latter's 2008 child prostitution conviction, visited his homes, partied with him, and lied extensively about it to others, even as documentation concerning Epstein's activities came to light. Sex trafficking victim Virginia Guiffre sued Mountbatten-Windsor and said she was forced to have sex with him; the Royal family paid her a substantial settlement to avoid a trial. Another alleged victim is said to be preparing legal action against Mountbatten-Windsor.
The BBC reports that the arrest facilitates more detailed searches. Sean Coughlan, Royal correspondent:
Of course this arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. But that no-nonsense police statement still seems like a bluntly worded news earthquake: "The man remains in police custody at this time." We don't know where he is this morning, but it makes you think about the rather startling scene amid the plastic cups and clutter of a police station, to have the King's brother there under arrest. It's a very long fall from the splendour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Recent Epstein Files disclosures have exposed many rich and powerful figures in Epstein's orbit and their various courtiers and hangers-on, all of whom were at least aware of Epstein's activities and in some cases participants in them. It has ended the careers of various European potentates, including Lord Mandelson in the U.K., and already led to the high-profile arrest of former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, charged with gross corruption.
Today is also Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday. Happy birthday, Andrew!
