King Charles has stated 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 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 ongoing. The arrest is believed to be the first time in modern history that a senior royal has been held by police.
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 Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, earlier remarked that “nobody is above the law” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Police sources indicated that two key decisions preceded the arrest: first, that an interview under caution would be insufficient, and second, that searches of properties were necessary. The arrest granted police search powers without requiring a separate warrant. Neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police had been reviewing allegations that resurfaced following the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US Justice Department.
