Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to media reports.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said officers had arrested “a man in his sixties” following a “thorough assessment” of allegations. The force did not name the individual, in line with UK legal guidance.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” the statement said, adding that it would not identify the arrested person to protect the integrity of the inquiry.
According to reports, police are examining allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared trade-related information in 2010 and 2011 with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was previously convicted of sex offences.
Witnesses told media outlets that several unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers arrived at the estate earlier in the day. The arrest reportedly took place on Andrew’s 66th birthday.
Former Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu told the BBC that an arrest would enable investigators to access electronic devices, documents and other potential evidence, and to conduct searches of properties under the suspect’s control.
Prime Minister’s response
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that “nobody is above the law” when asked about the development. Speaking to the BBC, Starmer stated: “Anybody who has information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
He added that equality before the law is a fundamental principle of the British legal system.
Long-running scrutiny over Epstein links
Prince Andrew has faced sustained scrutiny over his association with Epstein, particularly after the release of extensive documents and emails related to the so-called “Epstein Files.” Reports have alleged that he shared details of official trade visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam during his tenure as a UK trade envoy.
In 2019, Andrew stepped back from royal duties following a widely criticised BBC interview in which he sought to address allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers.
Giuffre had alleged that Andrew had sexual relations with her when she was 17 — claims he has consistently denied. In 2022, he reached an out-of-court civil settlement in the United States without admitting liability, while expressing regret for his association with Epstein.
In 2025, his brother, King Charles III, formally removed Andrew’s remaining royal titles and patronages amid ongoing controversy surrounding his links to Epstein. The current arrest marks a significant escalation, though authorities have stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that the suspect is entitled to the presumption of innocence under UK law.
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