NORFOLK – In the last few minutes we have learned that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested. Here are the key details.
1. Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew, who turns 66 today, earlier this morning
2. The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and he is in custody
3. Police are searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk
Thames Valley Police said he was arrested after a “thorough assessment”, with an investigation now opened
We’ve now seen a statement from Thames Valley police, which says:
“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.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright 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.”
Hard to think of any precedent for this arrest
This is another extraordinary development in what has been an extraordinary story.
It’s hard to think of any precedent for the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s brother.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but this still has the capacity to shock and surprise as breaking news. – Sean Coughlan, Royal correspondent
Significant development on Andrew’s connections with Epstein
My understanding is that there’s been a very significant development in the investigation into the Epstein files. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested this morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
That goes back to documents from when he was a trade envoy, that are alleged to have been passed to Epstein.
It was the Mail Online this morning that had some pictures of what looked like police officers near the Sandringham Estate. I was able to confirm that there has been an arrest made this morning.
It’s Thames Valley Police who have been looking into these allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
They have been looking into allegations of misconduct in public office and allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
My understanding is that this arrest is just about the misconduct in public office and obviously a very significant moment that the former prince has been arrested.
He has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing on any of these matters related to Epstein. – Lucy Manning, Special correspondent
Arrest is not an indication of guilt, but a long way from life as a prince
Of course this arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
But that no-nonsense police statement still seems like a bluntly worded news earthquake: “The man remains in police custody at this time.”
We don’t know where he is this morning, but it makes you think about the rather startling scene amid the plastic cups and clutter of a police station, to have the King’s brother there under arrest.
It’s a very long fall from the splendour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. – Sean Coughlan, Royal correspondent
