Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested as police raid royal homes over Epstein links
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and his homes in Sandringham and Berkshire were raided on Thursday (his 66th birthday) over his links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince was held on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he leaked sensitive documents to the disgraced financier while working as a UK trade envoy.
He was held in police custody for several hours while searches continued at the King’s estate Wood Farm in Norfolk and his former home Royal Lodge in Windsor.
King Charles said the “law must return to its normal course” after expressing his “deepest concern” about the arrest of his brother, who was stripped of his royal titles last year.
Neither Buckingham Palace nor the King was given advance notice of his arrest; Both the monarch and Queen Camilla faced questions from bystanders and scammers as they continued their royal duties during their visit to London Fashion Week on Thursday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have not commented publicly but they are understood to support the King’s statement.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, the first senior royal in modern history, follows more than 15 years of scrutiny over his ties to Epstein, who died in a US prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
In response to his brother’s arrest, Charles said: “I have learned with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What will now come is a full, fair and appropriate process to ensure that this matter is investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities.
“As I have said before on this matter, we have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly that the law must take its own course.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his home after a convoy of police vehicles arrived at around 8am, before being taken by officers to an undisclosed location for questioning.
News of the former Duke of York’s arrest came as photos circulated online showing unmarked police cars heading to Wood Farm and plainclothes officers gathering outside his home.
In Windsor, several pickup trucks carrying police officers were seen entering the gates of the former Berkshire home where the search was ongoing. Reporters and photographers were held at the outer gate behind Windsor Great Park and barred from entering, while joggers, dog walkers and children on scooters still roamed the vast parks surrounding the residence.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor faces allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein, including the passing of confidential documents, while he was serving as Britain’s trade envoy. He can be held in police custody for up to 24 hours without charge, but this can be extended to 96 hours if the extension is approved by the magistrates’ court.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Confirming the investigation, Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we maintain the integrity and impartiality of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged crime. We understand that there is significant public interest in this case and will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Before the arrest was announced, Sir Keir Starmer told BBC Breakfast that “no one is above the law” when asked about Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
He added: “Anyone with any information should come forward. So anyone with relevant information, whether it’s Andrew or anyone else, should contact the relevant authority. We’re talking about Epstein in this particular case, but there are many others as well.”
Many police forces in the UK are considering information released as part of the latest Epstein files, including the Met Police, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Wiltshire and West Midlands forces.
Thames Valley Police said they were also investigating allegations that a woman was trafficked to England by Epstein to have sex with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor. On Wednesday the Metropolitan Police said it was also investigating claims that the former prince’s protection officers “turned a blind eye” to visits to Epstein’s island, Little St James.
Responding to news of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, former prime minister Gordon Brown said he had submitted a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and other UK police forces.
“This memorandum provides new and additional information to that which I submitted to the Met, Essex and Thames Valley police forces last week, expressing my concern that we ensure justice for girls and women who have been trafficked,” she said.
Mr Brown has previously claimed the Epstein files show in “graphic detail” how the financier was able to use London Stansted Airport to “bring in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia” and called for police to investigate.
Separately, Virginia Giuffre, who committed suicide last year, alleged in a civil lawsuit that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor sexually assaulted her. She claimed she met the former prince while he was being trafficked by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always vehemently denied the allegations but paid millions to settle Ms Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in 2022, despite insisting he had never met Ms Giuffre.
His family welcomed Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and said: “Our broken hearts are finally mended today with the news that no one, not even the royal family, is above the law.
“On behalf of our sister, we express our gratitude to the UK Thames Valley Police for investigating and arresting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
The king’s brother was stripped of both his prince title and dukedom last year after it was revealed he had maintained his friendship with Epstein for longer than he had previously claimed.
However, it remains in probate; He is eighth in line to the throne and gradually moves down after being born second in line.
It is impossible to disinherit someone without new legislation, but Labor MP Rachael Maskell and Conservative MP Chris Philp have called for a change in the law, saying the former Duke should no longer be eligible for the throne.
