Former Prince Andrew arrested amid Epstein files fallout
King Charles has expressed his “deepest concern” and said the “law must take its course” after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested at his Sandringham home on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former royal was arrested by Thames Valley Police this morning after at least six unmarked police cars arrived at Wood Farm, on what is Andrew’s 66th birthday.
Thames Valley Police had previously said it was assessing reports that Andrew shared confidential information with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails released in recent weeks by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits with Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.
In a statement released after Andrew’s arrest, the King said: “They [the police] have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation”, adding: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
The King added, “it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter,” and said he would “continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Andrew has consistently denied all claims made against him in relation to Epstein.
The charge is notoriously difficult to define, let alone prove, with only 191 people convicted between 2014 and 2024.
Sean Caulfield, a criminal defence lawyer at Hodge Jones & Allen, said proving misconduct in a public office “is an extremely high bar”.
He said: “Firstly, it must be determined if Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was in a role within government that constitutes the title of public officer.
“There is no standard definition to clearly draw on, but case law indicates that a public officer is someone who holds an office of trust or performs a public duty.”
Where are the police searching?
Police are carrying out their searches at the former and current homes of the former prince.
Police are conducting searches at two sites today.
The first tranche of Thames Valley Police officers are combing through the Royal Lodge, the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Norfolk police, who are assisting the force with its enquiries, are also searching through Andrew’s Wood Farm abode in Sandringham, where he currently lives.
