{"id":23270,"date":"2026-02-19T14:53:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:53:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=23270"},"modified":"2026-02-19T14:53:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:53:12","slug":"andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office-uk-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=23270","title":{"rendered":"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office | UK news"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office by police investigating the former prince\u2019s dealings with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.<\/p>\n

In unprecedented scenes, unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers were seen at Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate around 8am.<\/p>\n

The former prince, who was stripped of his titles last year but remains eighth in line to the throne, was held in custody on his 66th birthday by Thames Valley police as officers searched the Norfolk property as well his former home in the Royal Lodge in Great Windsor Park.<\/p>\n

As royal commentators raced to provide wall-to-wall analysis to news broadcasters across the world, King Charles gave his backing to the police investigation, stating the \u201claw must take its course\u201d and expressing \u201cdeepest concern\u201d over the arrest of his brother. It is understood the Prince and Princess of Wales endorse the king\u2019s message.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,\u201d the king said in a statement. \u201cIn this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the glare of increased public scrutiny, the king and queen continued their royal duties with Charles attending three separate in-person audiences at St James\u2019s Palace and Camilla visiting the Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster for a lunchtime orchestral concert.<\/p>\n

Thought to be the first time a member of the royal family has been arrested by police in modern history, the shock move came just hours after the prime minister, Keir Starmer, said \u201cnobody is above the law\u201d when questioned about Mountbatten-Windsor.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>In October, Buckingham Palace announced it would strip Andrew of his royal titles.<\/span> Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thames Valley police said it had arrested \u201ca man in his 60s from Norfolk\u201d on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.<\/p>\n

Oliver Wright, one of the force\u2019s assistant chief constables, said: \u201cFollowing 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, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Norfolk police confirmed they were supporting Thames Valley\u2019s investigation. The current whereabouts of Mountbatten-Windsor is unknown. It is understood neither the king nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest.<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing or accusations against him. Thames Valley is one of a number of police forces to have assessed allegations that resurfaced when the so-called Epstein files were published by the US Department of Justice.<\/p>\n

The force previously said it was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier while serving as the UK\u2019s trade envoy.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Unmarked cars at the Sandringham estate.<\/span> Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The family of the late Virginia Giuffre, who accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexually abusing her when she was 17 as part of a sex trafficking ring run by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell \u2013 allegations the former prince has denied \u2013 released a statement.<\/p>\n

Her family members Sky and Amanda Roberts and Danny and Lanette Wilson said: \u201cAt last. Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK\u2019s Thames Valley police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Mountbatten-Windsor riding a horse in Windsor Great Park this month.<\/span> Photograph: Toby Melville\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wright previously said information was evaluated during an assessment phase to determine whether a criminal offence was suspected and a full investigation required. \u201cAllegations of misconduct in public office involve particular complexities, and therefore an assessment must be conducted carefully and thoroughly,\u201d he said at a press briefing last week.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we cannot provide timescales over when a decision as to whether a criminal investigation will be opened, we can assure you that Thames Valley police is making progress as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Responding to Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest, former prime minister Gordon Brown said: \u201cI have submitted a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and other relevant UK police constabularies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis memorandum provides new and additional information to that which I submitted last week to the Met, Essex and Thames Valley police forces where I expressed my concern that we secure justice for trafficked girls and women.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Crown Prosecution Service\u2019s website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.<\/p>\n

Republic, a group that campaigns to abolish the monarchy, welcomed the arrest, which it claimed was in response to a crime report sent to Thames Valley police by its chief executive, Graham Smith. He said: \u201cRepublic\u2019s lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months.\u201d<\/p>\n

The allegations stem from documents released by the US justice department relating to Epstein and his links to the rich and powerful. Emails released appeared to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.<\/p>\n

One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by the former duke to Epstein five minutes after it was sent by his then special adviser, Amir Patel. Another, seemingly sent on Christmas Eve 2010, included a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand province, Afghanistan.<\/p>\n

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Before the arrest was announced, Keir Starmer told BBC Breakfast \u201cnobody is above the law\u201d when asked about Andrew. \u201cAnybody who has any information should testify,\u201d the prime minister said.<\/p>\n

In a statement, the CPS said: \u201cWe are in close contact with the Metropolitan police Service and Thames Valley police regarding high-profile individuals. We remain ready to support any police investigations if needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last October, amid growing anxiety within the royal household about the reputational risk to the monarchy caused by headlines concerning Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s friendship with Epstein, Buckingham Palace announced it would strip him of his royal titles. It was also announced the former duke would move out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor.<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#Andrew #MountbattenWindsor #arrested #suspicion #misconduct #public #office #news<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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