Andrew Mountbatten Windsor arrested in eastern England amid Jeffrey Epstein scandal
Updated ,first published
London: British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his connection to Jeffrey Epstein after he visited his country home on the royal estate in Sandringham.
King III. Charles responded within hours, expressing concern about the news and pledging support and cooperation with the investigation into his younger brother.
“I learned with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said in a statement.
“There is now a full, fair and proper process to ensure that this matter is investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities. As I have said before, we have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation on this matter.
“Let me be clear: The law must take its own course.
“While this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you.”
Thames Valley police, one of the forces carrying out multiple investigations into the former prince, confirmed it had arrested a man in Norfolk, where Sandringham Estate is located, after carrying out searches.
“The man is currently in police custody,” police said.
“In accordance with national rules, we will not name the arrested man. Please note that this case is currently active and therefore caution should be exercised in any publication to avoid contempt of court.”
Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.”
Police are seen visiting Mountbatten-Windsor’s country home in a major step to widen the investigation into her ties to Epstein, a day after police chiefs set up a new group to co-ordinate their investigation.
Police arrived at the royal family’s Sandringham Estate home in the early hours of Thursday morning (around 7pm on Thursday) in six unmarked cars and were seen carrying laptops and other equipment.
Observers told British media that the group included about eight plainclothes officers and that one car arrived in front of the former prince’s home, known as Wood Farm, while others arrived at the rear of the building.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into royal protection officers.
Separately, Thames Valley Police are examining allegations that Andrew sent government documents to Epstein while the former prince was working as an official trade envoy and had access to reports on trade missions and investment opportunities.
The King continued with his usual agenda despite the drama of his younger brother’s arrest.
A note from Buckingham Palace confirmed he was continuing with meetings scheduled for Thursday (local time) in London, including greeting new ambassadors to the UK and then attending London Fashion Week.
The night before Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, British police chiefs announced they were forming a new group to co-ordinate various investigations.
The National Police Chiefs Council said it was evaluating details made public in millions of U.S. Justice Department documents.
“A national co-ordination group has been established to support a small number of forces assessing allegations arising following the release of the US Justice Department Epstein files,” a council spokesman said on Wednesday night (early Thursday, AEDT).
David Crowe is the European correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
