Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on his 66th birthday, and taken to custody following a raid on his new Sandringham home, the Mail reported.
Allegedly, neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
The arrest follows allegations of misconduct in public office after police said they were assessing a complaint involving the alleged sharing of confidential material with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
As reported by the Mail, emails released by the US Department of Justice seem to suggest that the former duke was circulating summaries of official visits to Honk Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. In one email, dated November 2010, it appears that the information was forwarded by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor just five minutes after it was sent to him by his then special adviser, Amir Patel. In another email sent on Christmas Eve 2010, it appears that a confidential briefing was shared with Epstein detailing investment opportunities related to the reconstruction of Helmand Province.
This is the first time the disgraced royal to be placed under arrest despite being accused of numerous allegations that are related to Epstein, which he denied over and over again.
According to the BBC, which was first to report the news, police arrived at Sandringham, Wood Farm, at around 8 a.m. local time on Thursday. At least six unmarked police cars and eight plainclothes police officers entered the residence through both front and back doors at the Sandringham Estate.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who remains eighth in line to the throne, could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
Per the BBC, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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,” he continued. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has been staying at Wood Farm for almost three weeks after he was compelled to leave his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor due to revelations about his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. He has been seen only once since his relocation to the Sandringham house, which was last Thursday.
King Charles has issued a statement following the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor earlier today. He said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.”
Thames Valley Police, who have not named Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as per the UK law, released a statement on Thursday morning, saying, “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. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
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