Police confirm investigation into alleged misconduct in public office
King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday, according to multiple reports.
Police activity was reported at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, the former Duke of York’s residence. The Daily Telegraph said six unmarked vehicles and around eight plain-clothes officers were seen arriving at the property on Thursday.
Thames Valley Police later confirmed they were reviewing allegations that the disgraced former senior royal may have shared confidential government papers with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by Deadline.
In a statement, police said a “man in his sixties from Norfolk” had been arrested “on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” Officers added that searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, and that the man remains in custody. While authorities have not formally named the suspect, reports identify him as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened an investigation following a thorough assessment of the allegations. He stressed the need to protect the integrity of the inquiry, noting the high level of public interest and promising updates when appropriate.
The arrest follows years of scrutiny over Andrew’s association with Epstein, a controversy widely seen as one of the most damaging crises to hit the British royal family. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
More recently, he was stripped of his royal honours and titles after the release of Epstein-related files by the US Department of Justice. King Charles III also ordered Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, to vacate Royal Lodge, the home they shared for more than two decades.
