A royal birthday became a day of high drama as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, before being released under investigation just hours later.
On Thursday morning, Thames Valley Police confirmed it had arrested a man in his 60s in Norfolk. Officers were simultaneously carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The arrest took place at Sandringham at 08:00 GMT, on Andrew’s 66th birthday.
By Thursday evening, the force confirmed the man “had been released under investigation” and that searches in Norfolk had concluded. The case remains active, and police have warned that care must be taken to avoid contempt of court. In line with national guidance, they are not naming the arrested man.
This marks the first time Andrew has been arrested. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
What Triggered the Investigation?
Police had previously said they were considering investigating Andrew over allegations relating to his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. They were reviewing claims that Andrew may have shared confidential material.
Communications between the two featured among files released by the US government. Documents appear to show that in 2010, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, Andrew forwarded government reports from official visits to Vietnam, Singapore and China to Epstein.
The files also appear to show he shared information regarding potential investment opportunities in gold and uranium in Afghanistan.
Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive commercial or political information obtained during official visits.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police said it was also assessing a separate allegation that a second woman, a non-British national in her 20s at the time, was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010.
It is important to note that the arrest is not in relation to allegations of sexual offences.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police understood the “significant public interest” and would provide updates “at the appropriate time”.
Norfolk Constabulary confirmed it was supporting the investigation.
Scenes at Sandringham and Windsor
Vehicles believed to be unmarked police cars were seen outside the King’s Norfolk estate, where Andrew has been living since leaving his former home in Windsor.
Reports suggest that Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Andrew’s previous residence, is also being searched by police, with uniformed officers visible beyond the gates.
He was later pictured slumped back in the rear seat of a vehicle after leaving Aylsham police station, an image that underscored the seriousness of the moment.
The King: “The Law Must Take Its Course”
King Charles III said he learned of his brother’s arrest with the “deepest concern”.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
The King added that police had his “full and wholehearted support and co-operation”, though he said it would not be right to comment further while the matter remains ongoing.
Reports indicate neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were given advance warning of the arrest. The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.
Despite the extraordinary developments, the Royal Family maintained a business-as-usual approach. The King attended a solo engagement marking the start of London Fashion Week and did not respond to reporters’ questions. Queen Camilla was also asked about the arrest while leaving an engagement in Windsor but did not reply.
Political and International Reaction
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown is reported to have submitted a five-page letter to several UK police forces containing new and additional information from the Epstein files. In a statement, he said this builds on earlier correspondence in which he expressed concern about securing justice for trafficked girls and women.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the arrest as “very sad” and “so bad for the Royal family”.
A Long Shadow
Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019, saying the allegations had become a “disruption” to the Royal Family. In 2022, he lost his military titles and royal patronages after a civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre was settled out of court, with no admission of wrongdoing.
He remains eighth in line to the throne but was stripped of his princely title in October 2025, the same month Giuffre’s posthumous memoir was published and fresh details about his association with Epstein emerged.
Andrew has always denied wrongdoing relating to Epstein and has not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the latest file releases.
For now, he remains under investigation. No charges have been announced.
And as the King has made clear, the law must take its course.
