British authorities arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on Thursday—his 66th birthday—on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in connection with allegations stemming from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers arrested a man in his 60s and conducted searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Mountbatten‑Windsor remains in police custody while investigators review evidence related to his decade-long tenure as a UK trade envoy.
The arrest follows documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggesting that during his official role, Andrew may have shared sensitive British government information with Epstein and his associates.
Emails from 2010 indicate he allegedly forwarded confidential trade reports from official visits to countries including Vietnam, Singapore, and China, along with investment information regarding gold and uranium projects in Afghanistan, to Epstein, according to The Guardian.
Mountbatten‑Windsor served as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, a position requiring strict confidentiality over political, commercial, and diplomatic matters.
Critics have expressed concern that his personal relationship with Epstein may have compromised his official responsibilities.
While Andrew has acknowledged a personal friendship with Epstein and settled a civil lawsuit with one of Epstein’s underage victims, he has consistently denied any misconduct connected to his government role.
King Charles III issued a statement expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest, emphasizing the importance of due process and pledging the royal family’s full cooperation with law enforcement.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the King said, adding that further comment would be inappropriate while the investigation continues.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police said the arrest followed a careful assessment of allegations tied to Andrew’s service as a trade envoy.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners,” Wright said, according to CNBC.
Mountbatten‑Windsor has faced prior setbacks.
He was stripped of his royal titles, removed from official duties, and relocated from his Windsor mansion to a residence on the Sandringham Estate.
His personal allowance and security funding were reduced, although the King continues to cover the cost of his current accommodation.
Political leaders have also weighed in.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “nobody is above the law,” while Deputy U.K. Prime Minister David Lammy stressed the need for an impartial investigation.
In Scotland, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called the arrest a “very serious development,” and former First Minister Humza Yousaf credited Epstein’s victims for prompting scrutiny and ensuring accountability.
Police have not released further details about the specific allegations.
Under U.K. law, suspects can be held for 24 hours without charge, with possible extensions to 36 or 96 hours under special authorization.
Authorities continue reviewing documents and communications from Andrew’s time as a trade envoy while maintaining the integrity of the investigation amid widespread public interest.
This arrest represents another significant chapter in ongoing scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s conduct and the broader fallout from his association with Epstein.
Officials stress that the investigation will proceed according to legal processes, reinforcing that accountability extends to all individuals, regardless of status or title.
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