Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Ties, King Charles Vows ‘Law Must Take Its Course’

LONDON (AP) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince who was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday.

Whereas Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, concerns about Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to the late financier have dogged the royal family for more than a decade [1]. The arrest of a brother of a monarch is an extraordinary development with no precedent in modern times that will no doubt put more pressure on the crown.

King Charles III issued a statement saying that the law must take its course in the investigation and sought to distance the royal family from Mountbatten-Windsor.

Thames Valley Police said that a man in his 60s from Norfolk in eastern England was arrested and remained in custody [2]. The force, which covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, did not identify the suspect, in line with standard procedures in Britain, but pointed to its statement when asked to confirm if Andrew was arrested.

Mountbatten-Windsor moved to his brother King Charles III’s estate in Norfolk after he was evicted from his longtime home near Windsor Castle earlier this month [3].

Police Investigating Confidential Reports to Epstein

Police are looking at whether Andrew sent confidential reports to Epstein [4]. Thames Valley Police previously said it was “assessing” reports that Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010, when the former prince was Britain’s special envoy for international trade. Those reports stemmed from correspondence between the two men that was among the millions of pages of documents from the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein that were released last month.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Police also said they were searching two properties.

Pictures circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Wood Farm, Mountbatten-Windsor’s home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers gathering outside.

Royal Family’s Response and Background

“This is the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the royal family in modern times,” said Craig Prescott, a royal expert at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Policing commentator Danny Shaw told the BBC that in most cases, suspects are held between 12 and 24 hours and are then either charged or released pending further investigation. The absolute longest the former prince can be held for is 96 hours — but this would require multiple extensions from senior police officers and a Magistrate’s Court.

Andrew will be placed in “a cell in a custody suite” with just “a bed and a toilet,” where he will wait until his police interview. “There’ll be no special treatment for him,” Shaw said.

The late Queen Elizabeth II forced her second son to give up royal duties and complete his charitable work in 2019 after he tried to explain away his ties to Epstein during a catastrophic interview with the BBC. More details about the relationship emerged in a book published last year, and Charles stripped him of the right to be called a prince and ordered him to move.

Buckingham Palace announced last week that it was ready to cooperate in the event of a police inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein. Charles was forced to act after the U.S. Justice Department released millions of pages of Epstein documents that revealed the extent of his relationship with Mountbatten-Windsor and showed that their correspondence continued long after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

After Thursday’s arrest, Charles issued a statement to reiterate that he would cooperate with the investigation. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the king said in a statement signed Charles R. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.” He added: “My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges brought by federal prosecutors in New York in 2019. He took his own life in jail while awaiting trial.