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Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested by U.K. police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking an unprecedented moment in modern royal history.
Officers from Thames Valley Police arrived at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate early on Thursday, February 19, which coincided with Andrew's 66th birthday. The property is located on the estate owned by King Charles III, where Andrew has been staying since vacating Royal Lodge in Windsor last year.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police confirmed that "a man in his sixties from Norfolk" had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities also said searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The force stated that the individual remains in custody and that they would not formally identify him in line with national guidance.
The arrest follows confirmation earlier this month that police were assessing a complaint alleging Andrew shared confidential material with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the U.K.'s special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011. The complaint was reportedly submitted by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which argued that correspondence released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggested potential breaches of official duties.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the investigation, stating that police understand the "significant public interest" surrounding the case and would provide updates when appropriate.
The arrest represents a historic development for the British monarchy. Royal historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo described it as "completely unprecedented in modern history," noting that no senior royal has been arrested in centuries.
In a statement released shortly after the arrest, King Charles said, "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities." He added, "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."
Andrew's ties to Epstein have cast a long shadow over the Royal Family for years. In 2019, he stepped back from public duties following a widely criticized BBC interview addressing his association with Epstein. In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages amid ongoing legal scrutiny tied to civil allegations brought by Virginia Giuffre, which he denied and later settled without an admission of liability.
Last year, amid renewed attention following additional document releases, King Charles removed Andrew's remaining royal titles and styles, leading to his relocation from Royal Lodge and the formal use of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Police have not disclosed how long Andrew may remain in custody. Legal commentators note that suspects are typically held for questioning before either being released pending further investigation or formally charged.
As the investigation unfolds, Buckingham Palace has reiterated that it will cooperate fully with authorities, showing the King's position that the legal process must proceed without interference.
