Julien Warnand / EPA
Prince Andrew
At stake are suspicions that André shared confidential information with Epstein when he was working as a UK trade envoy.
UK police today detained André Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III and former crown prince, for suspected misconduct in public office. Today is also André’s 66th birthday.
The arrest followed searches of properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Although authorities have not formally released the suspect’s name, they have confirmed that the arrest is related to allegations of misconduct in public office. If convicted, André could face life in prison.
Police added that they will not release the name of the individual arrested, in line with national guidelines, and urged caution in news coverage due to the active nature of the case. “Please also remember that this case is ongoing, so any publication should be done carefully to avoid contempt of court”, the statement reads.
According to the British press, the suspect in question is Mountbatten-Windsor. Photographs published on Thursday morning showed unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers outside Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate shortly after 8am. Wood Farm, located on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, has been linked to the former Duke of York in recent years, reports .
Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched following a thorough assessment of the allegations. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged crime,” he said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates in due course.”
At issue is an investigation into allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information with billionaire convicted of sex crimes, Jeffrey Epstein, during his time as UK trade envoy. The alleged misconduct relates to the period in which he held an official public position.
For several years now, the king’s brother has been in epicenter of the Epstein scandalhaving retired from public life after a . Recently, the release of more than three million case files included one looking at a woman at a party for the late billionaire.
In a statement, the family of Virginia Giuffre, against André and Epstein, celebrated the arrest. “Today our broken hearts were relieved by the news that no one is above the law – not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, we express our gratitude to Thames Valley Police,” it reads.
Remember that the king’s brother ceased to be a member of royalty after being stripped by the monarch of both his right to be prince and his dukedom late last year due to his connection to Epstein.
The king has already reacted to his brother’s arrest in a statement: “I received with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office. In this process, as I have already stated, they have our full and unrestricted support and cooperation. I want to make it clear: the law must take its course. While this process continues, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to do our duty and serve you all.”
No charges have been formalized to date. Authorities indicated that new information will be released as the investigation progresses.
