UK's police arrest ex-prince Andrew over sex scandal linked to Epstein

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of British King Charles III, has been arrested by police investigating the former prince’s dealings with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In unprecedented scenes, unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers were seen at Andrew’s residence on Thursday morning.

Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year but remains eighth in line to the throne, was held in custody by Thames Valley Police as officers searched the Norfolk property as well as his former home, the Royal Lodge, in Great Windsor Park.

A statement from the police said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) 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."

Oliver Wright, one of the force’s assistant chief constables, said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time,” Wright noted.

Andrew's whereabouts are unknown. It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest.

Thames Valley is one of a number of police forces to have assessed allegations that resurfaced when the Epstein files were published by the US Justice Department.

The force said previously it was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

UK's Prince Andrew stripped of 'prince' title over sex scandal linked to Epstein

UK

The allegations stem from documents released by the US Justice Department relating to Epstein and his links to the rich and powerful.

Emails released appeared to show Andrew sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Lawyers say Andrew could also face questions about alleged sexual wrongdoing while under arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Republic, a group that campaigns to abolish the monarchy, welcomed the arrest, which it said was in response to a crime report sent to the police by its chief executive, Graham Smith.

“Republic’s lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months,” Smith added.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service’s website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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