Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested as police issue statement | Royal | News
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said. It’s been less than an hour this morning since six anonymous police vehicles arrived at Wood Farm, Andrew’s temporary home on the King’s Sandringham Estate. Police said searches are also continuing at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The arrest coincides with the disgraced former Duke of York’s 66th birthday. If convicted, the maximum penalty for misconduct in public office is life imprisonment.
Thames Valley Police, who have not named Andrew in accordance with UK law, said in a statement on Thursday morning: “As part of the investigation, we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk today (19/2) 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. In accordance with national legislation we will not name the man arrested. 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.
“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.”
The force has previously said it was looking into 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 Britain’s trade envoy.
Andrew, who turns 66 today, has consistently and emphatically denied any wrongdoing. Norfolk Constabulary has been contacted for comment.
Buckingham Palace has not yet responded to the police update this morning.
Earlier on Thursday, six unmarked police cars were parked near Wood Farm, where Andrew was temporarily living following his exile from Royal Lodge in Windsor, and around eight plainclothes officers were also seen attending the property.
A police officer was seen carrying a police laptop. One of the cars drove down the front road while the other five pulled into the back entrance of the five-bedroom farmhouse in the village of Wolferton.
It comes as seven British police forces are said to be reviewing new evidence in the Epstein files. This includes Essex Police, Met, Thames Valley, Bedfordshire, Surrey, Norfolk and Wiltshire. Security forces work together in their investigations to ensure a consistent approach is applied during investigations.
Yesterday it was revealed that the National Crime Agency (NCA) was working with the police special unit to assess the Epstein files, including the allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
