Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and brother to King Charles III, has been arrested in the U.K. and remains in police custody.
The BBC reported on Thursday that the Thames Valley police said a man in his 60s from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities are carrying out searches at two addresses, with unmarked police cars spotted at the royal family‘s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk early in the morning.
Andrew, turning 66 on Thursday, Feb. 19, has for some months been under public scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Press have been made aware that police are looking into allegations of misconduct in public office against Andrew, as well as claims that a second woman was sent to the U.K. by Epstein for a “sexual encounter” with the royal.
Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, including claims from a woman named Virginia Giuffre that she had been trafficked by Epstein to Andrew. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” the police said via a statement. “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,” he added, “and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
More to come…