LONDON — Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former Duke of York and brother of the King, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to UK police, marking one of the most serious criminal developments ever involving a senior figure once embedded in Britains governing establishment.
Thames Valley Police confirmed Thursday that officers arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk and conducted searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. The individual remains in police custody. While police declined to formally name the suspect, citing national guidance and the active nature of the case, the arrest follows years of scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten Windsors association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Allegations Linked to Official Duties
The investigation intensified after U.S. authorities released more than three million pages of Epstein related documents, which raised questions about Mountbatten Windsors conduct while serving in official roles on behalf of the United Kingdom.
According to those records, while acting as a UK trade envoy in 2010, Mountbatten Windsor allegedly shared information from official overseas trips with Epstein, including material related to Vietnam and Singapore. One confidential memo reportedly sought Epsteins views on investment opportunities in Afghanistans Helmand province, prompting renewed focus on whether public office was improperly leveraged.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police opened a formal investigation following a detailed assessment of the allegations, emphasizing the seriousness of the inquiry given the intense public interest surrounding the case and the subjects proximity to the monarchy.
Palace and Government Response
King Charles issued a brief statement following the arrest, saying the law must take its course. The comment underscored the gravity of the situation involving the monarchs immediate family and the unprecedented nature of the investigation into the brother of the King.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Mountbatten Windsor should cooperate fully with U.S. authorities and stressed that no one is above the law. The royal family has confirmed it will cooperate with police as the investigation proceeds.
Survivors and Public Reaction
The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins most prominent accusers, welcomed news of the arrest, calling it long overdue accountability.
At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty, Giuffres siblings said in a statement. Giuffre had alleged she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including twice when she was 17. Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied the allegations.
In 2022, he paid a multi million pound settlement to Giuffre without admitting wrongdoing. Giuffre died by suicide last year at age 41.
A Fall From Power
Public outrage over the Epstein revelations ultimately led to Mountbatten Windsor being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages and removed from public duties. He was later ordered to vacate his residence on the Windsor estate.
Commentators say the arrest represents a significant moment not only for accountability but for the monarchys public standing.
This is an unprecedented move involving someone who once stood at the center of Britains power structure, said Al Jazeera correspondent Milena Veselinovic, describing the case as another reputational blow to the institution.
Political commentator Michael Walker said the developments expose long standing failures to impose consequences early, rather than responding only after sustained public pressure.
Denials Continue as Case Proceeds
Mountbatten Windsor, the brother of the King, continues to deny any wrongdoing. Police stressed that the investigation remains active and warned media outlets to exercise caution to avoid contempt of court.
As the case moves forward, the arrest raises broader questions about privilege, accountability, and whether proximity to power delayed scrutiny that might otherwise have come sooner.
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