Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince of the United Kingdom, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating: “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.”
King Charles III commented on the arrest, saying that “the law must take its course” in relation to his brother.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title last year due to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid ongoing allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
Police investigations followed the release of over three million pages of documents by US authorities concerning Epstein. Some of these files suggested that in 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor had forwarded reports from his official UK trade envoy visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries to Epstein, including seeking his input on investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Thames Valley Police emphasized that the arrested man would not be named “as per national guidance” and reminded the public to exercise caution to avoid contempt of court.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated: “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. We understand the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with US authorities, adding: “No one is above the law.”
Al Jazeera’s Milena Veselinovic described the arrest as “an unprecedented action” for a former royal, noting it represents another blow to the monarchy’s public image. Political commentator Michael Walker said the developments are “incredibly damaging” to the UK monarchy and suggested that the royal family’s response has often been reactive rather than proactive.
The arrest follows the royal family’s recent commitment to cooperate fully with police investigations regarding Mountbatten-Windsor.
