Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after police descended on his home at the Sandringham Estate on his 66th birthday.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on the morning of 19 February as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. While officers stated they would “not be naming the arrested man”, images circulating online show police arriving at Andrew’s residence on the Sandringham Estate, where he has been living since leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The Duke of York moved out of Royal Lodge following ongoing controversy surrounding his links to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
According to PA News, unmarked police vehicles were seen arriving at the property, with plain-clothed officers gathering outside the residence.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said:
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The man remains in police custody at this time.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added:
“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, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Thames Valley Police had previously confirmed it was reviewing allegations that Epstein trafficked a woman to the UK to have a sexual encounter with Andrew. The force was also assessing claims that he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew is known to have been associated with Epstein since 1999. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, alleged that she was made to have sex with Andrew in the early 2000s when she was 17.
Andrew has denied having sex with Giuffre and has previously expressed regret at maintaining contact with Epstein after his conviction.
Being named in documents linked to Epstein does not in itself indicate wrongdoing.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn sustained public and international scrutiny.
