British police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed Thursday that officers detained a man in his 60s from Norfolk on allegations linked to the release of documents that suggested the former royal may have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. The suspect remains in police custody while searches are carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
A police statement said, “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties … on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” adding that the investigation is ongoing.
The arrest comes as newly released files from the United States Department of Justice drew fresh attention to the former prince’s relationship with Epstein and potential breaches of official duty. Those files reportedly include emails allegedly showing confidential trade reports being shared with Epstein.
Police have not formally named the suspect, as is standard under UK law, but details in the statement correspond with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest.
Last year, Buckingham Palace stripped him of his royal title following widespread criticism over his association with Epstein, and he was required to leave his Windsor residence. The ongoing investigation marks a significant development in what has already been one of the most high-profile scandals to affect the British royal family in recent years.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the rule of law in comments earlier this week, saying “nobody is above the law” in reference to the probe.
The alleged misconduct relates to Andrew’s time as a special envoy for trade between 2001 and 2011. Authorities will now work with prosecutors to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to formal charges.
The arrest underscores the broad international impact of the Epstein files and the legal consequences facing individuals once thought shielded by status and privilege.
