Britain’s former royal, Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking an unprecedented moment in modern British history as investigations tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files intensify.
Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement that “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Although the suspect was not officially named, several UK media outlets identified him as Andrew, who turned 66 on Thursday.
Unmarked vehicles were reportedly seen arriving early in the day at the Sandringham estate in eastern England, where the former prince now resides after being stripped of his royal titles last year by his brother, King Charles III.
The arrest follows fresh revelations suggesting Andrew shared potentially confidential documents with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy. In a November 2010 email reportedly seen by AFP, Andrew appeared to forward reports on Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Singapore following an official visit to Asia. He also allegedly shared details of the trip and investment opportunities with Epstein and his associates.
Official guidance requires trade envoys to maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive political or commercial information obtained during overseas visits.
Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to his association with Epstein. He stepped back from public duties after allegations from one of Epstein’s victims that she had been trafficked to have sex with him — claims he has strongly denied.
Buckingham Palace last week issued an unusual statement saying it was “ready to support” police inquiries, while expressing concern over the situation.
At least nine UK police forces are assessing material linked to the latest release of millions of documents from the US investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Surrey Police said it was “aware” of a redacted report alleging human trafficking and sexual assaults on a minor between 1994 and 1996 in Virginia Water, southeastern England, but noted no such allegations had previously been recorded with the force.
The renewed scrutiny has also prompted calls for broader investigations. Former prime minister Gordon Brown urged authorities to examine historical flight records tied to Epstein’s network. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police has launched a separate inquiry into the relationship between Britain’s former ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, and the disgraced financier.
The arrest represents the most serious development yet in the long-running fallout from Andrew’s links to Epstein, deepening the crisis that has engulfed the once-senior royal.
