The BBC interrupted its Winter Olympics coverage on Tuesday to announce the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk had been taken into custody.
The interruption occurred after Switzerland beat Italy in the men's curling competition, a result that secured Team GB's place in the semi-finals. Presenter Hazel Irving told viewers: 'We're going to pause our coverage from the Olympic Winter Games on this thirteenth day... we're heading back to London for some breaking news.'
After a brief pause, coverage resumed with Irving returning to the curling. 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.'
The force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, and claims that he shared sensitive information while serving as trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking earlier on BBC Breakfast, said: 'Anybody who has any information should testify... nobody is above the law.'
