Former Prince Andrew Arrested in U.K.

Prince Andrew, born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was taken into custody early in the morning at a residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he had relocated after stepping back from royal duties. The arrest follows an investigation launched by Thames Valley Police into allegations that he shared confidential material connected to the Epstein case.

Police Operation and Ongoing Investigation

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said a man in his 60s living in Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Searches were conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, and the suspect remains in police custody.

Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the inquiry was launched after a “careful assessment process” and emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity and impartiality of the investigation. Authorities confirmed cooperation with relevant institutions.

According to BBC correspondent Daniel Sandford, the arrest is tied to information contained within the Epstein files relating to Andrew’s activities during his time as the U.K.’s trade envoy. While precise details remain unclear, the investigation may extend beyond emails already made public and could involve documents allegedly exchanged between Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein.

Police are also examining claims that Epstein sent at least one woman to the U.K. to have sexual relations with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. The woman, who was not a British citizen and in her twenties at the time, later toured Buckingham Palace after spending a night with Andrew, according to her lawyer, Brad Edwards of Edwards Henderson law firm.

Andrew has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing connected to Epstein.

Royal Response: “The Law Must Take Its Course”

King Charles III issued a written statement expressing deep concern over the reports involving his brother. He stressed that the matter should proceed through a full, fair and proper legal process handled by the appropriate authorities.

The King reiterated his commitment to full cooperation and underscored that the law must be allowed to operate independently. He added that it would be inappropriate to comment further while proceedings are ongoing, but confirmed that he and his family would continue their public duties.

Legal Process and Custody Limits

According to BBC Radio 5 Live police correspondent Danny Shaw, a suspect can be held for up to 96 hours under U.K. law, though extensions require authorization from senior police officials and a magistrates’ court. In most cases, suspects are held for 12 to 24 hours before being charged or released pending further investigation.

Shaw noted that Andrew would be placed in a standard custody cell with basic facilities and would not receive special treatment.

Political Reaction and Wider Context

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously stated that anyone with relevant information about the Epstein scandal should cooperate with authorities, adding that no individual is above the law.

The case unfolds amid the release of millions of documents tied to Epstein. U.S. authorities have disclosed approximately three million pages, 180,000 photographs and 2,000 videos, following legislation requiring publication of all Epstein-related materials by December 19, 2025.

Recently released U.S. Justice Department documents reportedly include references to Andrew multiple times, including photographs whose context remains unclear.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed it will cooperate with Thames Valley Police. Given the volume of the Epstein archive, investigators may seek additional communications between Andrew and other individuals beyond those already public.

The arrest marks the most serious legal development yet for the former prince, who relinquished his royal titles and withdrew from public duties after earlier allegations concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The coming days are expected to determine whether formal charges will follow.