What happens now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested? Potential charge of misconduct in public office can carry a life sentence

As police descended on the Sandringham estate to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor this morning, officers set in motion a process that will see the former prince face life behind bars.

A convoy of eight vehicles carrying plainclothes officers was the first sign that anything unusual was happening at Andrew’s new home in Wood Farm, following his eviction from Royal Lodge over his links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Thames Valley Police officers detained the former prince and detained him on what would have been Andrew’s 66th birthday.

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which is understood to be linked to reports that he may have passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as UK trade envoy.

Thames Valley Police previously said police were investigating allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew and claimed she shared sensitive information with the pedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

The arrest is unprecedented in the history of the modern royal family.

What will happen next to the beleaguered Andrew is far from certain.

There is no doubt that the former Duke of York, who has been detained by police (although his whereabouts are not stated), will be questioned by police officers today.

A group of plainclothes police officers arrived at Wood Farm this morning

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on his birthday and in police custody

The nearest police station to Sandringham estate is in Kings Lynn, but it is run by Norfolk Police.

Thames Valley Police is headquartered in Kindlington, Oxfordshire, but also has major stations in Slough and Windsor, where Andrew lived until his release from Royal Lodge.

He can be held without charge by the police for up to 24 hours, but the police can apply for this limit to be extended to an absolute maximum of 96 hours.

After this he must be charged or released; This could result in him being released on bail with various conditions.

Andrew will be able to obtain legal advice and ensure a lawyer is present before and during any meeting.

When not in the interview room, the former prince will be kept in a standard holding cell, which is likely to be empty except for a bed and a toilet.

Anything Andrew said during the interview could be sent to the CPS as part of the police’s case after investigators have finished gathering evidence.

It is then up to the CPS to decide whether the Crown will be charged with any offences.

Misconduct in public office is classed as one of the most serious offenses in English law and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

But Andrew will only face this if he is charged, tried and convicted in a court of law.

Due to the seriousness of the crime, it is classified as actionable only; This means that any hearings will take place in the Crown Court.

Being a member of the royal family does not give Andrew any protection against prosecution or imprisonment. As monarch, King Charles III is the only royal with sovereign immunity.

Andrew now faces questioning by police officers in custody; His arrest means he could be held without charge for up to 24 hours

Cars lined the road at Wood Farm with their headlights on as police searched two Andrew properties this morning.

A convoy of cars was seen approaching Wood Farm shortly before Andrew’s arrest was revealed. He remains in custody

This morning, a convoy of vehicles was seen parked at Wood Farm shortly before Thames Valley Police announced Andrew’s arrest.

Confirming an arrest was made this morning, Thames Valley Police said in a statement: ‘Today we 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 is currently in police custody.

‘We will not name the man arrested in accordance with national rules. Please note that this case is now active and therefore caution should be exercised in any publication to avoid contempt of court.’

Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: ‘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 recognize the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates at the appropriate time.’

Although there is no modern precedent for Andrew’s arrest for misconduct in public office, it is not the first time the royal family has faced the possibility of going to trial.

In 2002, Princess Anne became the first member of the Royal Family to be convicted of a criminal offence, when she was fined £500 after one of her dogs bit her two children.

The mother also became the first member of the family to have a criminal record after pleading guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act in relation to the incident in Windsor.

He also had numerous convictions for speeding, all of which were resolved without the embarrassment of going to court – in 1972, 1977, 1990 and 2000.

Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall was also banned from driving for six months in 2020 for speeding 91mph in a 70mph zone.

Historically, King Charles I was executed by beheading for tyranny and treason in 1649 following the English civil war.

And in 1586, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed after being convicted of allegedly plotting to assassinate her cousin Queen Elizabeth I.

Multiple British police forces are currently considering allegations related to the Epstein files.

The Met is examining allegations involving Andrew’s security guards, while many are examining the disgraced financier’s use of airports in the UK.

Yesterday, Surrey Police filed an appeal with the FBI over allegations of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in Virginia Waters in the 1990s.