Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest follows an investigation into allegations linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as the Duke of York, was taken into custody this morning and is expected to be interviewed under criminal caution.
Police searches are ongoing at his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, with officers visible at the gates. The press has been kept at an outer entrance. A police spokesperson confirmed the search is continuing within the property. It remains unclear whether Mountbatten-Windsor will be detained overnight, charged, or released while inquiries continue.
King Charles expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest, stating that “the law must take its course.” He added that the royal family would offer “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” to the investigation. Buckingham Palace was reportedly not informed in advance of the arrest. The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to support the King’s statement.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy commented from Delhi that “nobody in this country is above the law” and that the police investigation “must happen in the usual way.” Virginia Giuffre’s family, whose allegations against Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor have been central to the case, released a statement saying the arrest shows “no one is above the law – not even royalty.” Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
