King Charles has insisted that 'the law must take its course' after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince was taken to Aylsham police station in Norfolk on Thursday morning for questioning over allegations that he shared confidential material with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation later that evening, with Thames Valley Police confirming that searches at his Norfolk home on the Sandringham estate had concluded. Searches at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, his former address, were continuing. The arrest, believed to be the first of a modern royal, came on his 66th birthday.
In a statement, the King 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. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.' The King and Queen continued their royal duties, while Princess Anne visited HMP Leeds.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier stated that 'nobody is above the law' and urged anyone with information to testify. Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: 'Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.'
Police sources indicated that arrest was deemed necessary to progress the investigation and to allow searches without a warrant. Neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.
