Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to a statement from Thames Valley Police. The arrest, involving a "man in his sixties from Norfolk," marks the most serious escalation yet in British authorities' scrutiny of the Duke of York's past public role and contacts connected to Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the detention in a formal statement: "As part of the (Epstein) investigation, we have today 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 force added: "The man remains in police custody at this time," and said it would not name the arrested person "as per national guidance."
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened an investigation "following a thorough assessment" and would provide updates "at the appropriate time." Wright acknowledged what he described as the "significant public interest" in the case but stressed the need to safeguard "the integrity and objectivity" of the inquiry while officers work with partner agencies.
Images circulating online and reported by The Guardian appeared to show unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothes officers outside Wood Farm, a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk associated with Mountbatten-Windsor. The Guardian said the images emerged shortly after 8 a.m., before police formally confirmed the arrest.
Several outlets have reported that the investigation is examining allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as the U.K.'s trade representative, passed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein. The BBC said the probe conducted by Thames Valley Police is focused on claims of misconduct in public office, a common law offence that can carry severe penalties depending on the facts established.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a detailed statement on the arrest. Previous reporting cited palace sources indicating that the royal household would cooperate with law enforcement if approached. The palace has long sought to distance the monarchy from the legal controversies surrounding the Duke of York, who stepped back from public duties following earlier civil litigation connected to Epstein.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the matter cautiously when asked about the arrest. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Starmer said: "Anyone with relevant information should come forward. So, whether it's Andrew or anyone else, those with pertinent information should be forthcoming to the appropriate authority." He also stated that "nobody is above the law," reinforcing the government's stance that any criminal inquiry must proceed independently.
Under U.K. legal practice, police and prosecutors refrain from commenting on charging decisions while investigations remain active. Thames Valley Police reiterated that the suspect would not be named at this stage and cautioned media organizations about the risk of contempt of court given the ongoing nature of the case.
