Thames Valley Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday following their assessment of allegations that emerged in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The former Duke was detained this morning at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where he is currently residing, with witnesses reporting the arrival of individuals wearing civilian clothing who “appeared to be police officers.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the force had opened an investigation after completing a thorough assessment of the claims. “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Wright stated.
The arrest comes as nine police forces across the United Kingdom currently evaluate whether to open investigations connected to Epstein following last month’s document release. The files included photographs showing Andrew on all fours above a woman lying on the ground, alongside numerous other references to him throughout the materials.
Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement: “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. The man remains in police custody at this time.”
The force emphasized it will not name the arrested individual “as per national guidance,” warning that the case is now active and care should be taken with publications to avoid contempt of court. Police are conducting searches at properties in both Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation.
Wright added: “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.”
Andrew has been living at Wood Farm, a secluded cottage on the Sandringham estate periphery, since being required to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor by King Charles. The property was previously home to the late Duke of Edinburgh during his final years.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the situation when asked whether Andrew should voluntarily present himself to authorities. “I think that’s a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law,” Starmer stated.
The Prime Minister stressed this fundamental principle must be applied consistently regardless of who is involved. “Anybody who has any information should testify. So, whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody whose got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is,” he said.
Andrew relocated to the remote Norfolk property following his departure from Windsor in the wake of the Epstein scandal and after email correspondence between him and the convicted sex offender became public. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing amid ongoing allegations.
Appearing in the Epstein files is not evidence of wrongdoing and inclusion in the documents does not implicate anyone in Epstein’s criminality. The assessment process conducted by Thames Valley Police prior to today’s arrest involved evaluating materials released in the document dump for potential criminal allegations requiring investigation.
The timing of the arrest on his 66th birthday adds a notable dimension to the detention, with police vehicles spotted arriving at Sandringham this morning as Andrew marked the milestone. The former senior royal remains in police custody whilst searches continue at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Thames Valley Police have not disclosed the expected duration of the custody period or when charging decisions will be made. The force will provide updates at appropriate times whilst maintaining the integrity of investigative procedures following the thorough assessment that led to today’s arrest.
