Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — the man previously known as Prince Andrew — has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said. Officers detained a man in his sixties and carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. The individual remained in custody while detectives continued to collect evidence.
The arrest, which coincided with his 66th birthday, came as renewed scrutiny falls on the former royal’s past associations and public role. Photographs showed unmarked police vehicles arriving at Sandringham, and media reports say investigators are probing whether confidential material was shared during his time as a trade envoy.
Official responses and royal reaction
Thames Valley Police issued a short statement confirming the arrest and the searches, but gave few operational details, saying enquiries were ongoing. No charges had been filed at the time.
The palace described the matter as an active police operation and said the household would cooperate with investigators; senior royals have so far not commented publicly. King Charles III released a brief message expressing his “deepest concern,” urging that a full, fair process be allowed to run its course and reaffirming that “the law must take its course.” The Prince and Princess of Wales have signalled their support for the king’s position. Palace officials also said senior family members were not informed in advance of the arrest.
What the police say
Police have framed the inquiry as an operationally sensitive investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. Thames Valley officials said the probe followed an assessment of conduct during the former royal’s period as the United Kingdom’s international trade envoy and that they had moved from assessment to formal investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright acknowledged the substantial public interest and said updates would be provided when appropriate.
Legal experts pointed out that misconduct in public office can cover a wide range of behaviour; the outcome of any case will turn on what evidence exists, whether intent can be established, and the public interest test prosecutors apply. Authorities have reiterated that decisions about charging rest with prosecutors once inquiries are complete.
Scope and next steps
Investigators are reviewing communications and documents reportedly linked to the former prince’s official activities, with particular attention on whether confidential trade reports were shared with an associate who has a criminal conviction. The focus, police say, is on how public duties and official documents were handled rather than on private conduct.
To protect the integrity of the inquiry and any future legal process, Thames Valley Police have limited what they disclose publicly. Further operational or legal developments will dictate when and what additional information is released, and whether formal charges follow.
Context and background
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has long attracted attention because of his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has acknowledged a relationship with Epstein and settled a civil claim with one of Epstein’s victims; he has denied criminal wrongdoing. Those controversies resulted in the removal of some official royal roles and restrictions on his use of royal styles.
Arrests involving senior royals are extremely rare in the UK, and that rarity amplifies public interest and the institutional sensitivities surrounding the case. Observers say that pattern will influence media coverage and decisions about disclosure as the investigation proceeds.
The arrest, which coincided with his 66th birthday, came as renewed scrutiny falls on the former royal’s past associations and public role. Photographs showed unmarked police vehicles arriving at Sandringham, and media reports say investigators are probing whether confidential material was shared during his time as a trade envoy.0