Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police have confirmed. He was later released under investigation while inquiries continue.
The King issued a statement expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest, adding that “the law must take its course”. Neither the monarch nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest, according to the Press Association.
Police searches are ongoing at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home. Officers remain at the property as part of the investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated that “nobody in this country is above the law”, while the Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed support for the King’s position. Virginia Giuffre’s family, who previously accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual trafficking, welcomed the arrest, saying it shows “no one is above the law – not even royalty”.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his princely title and dukedom last year due to his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He remains eighth in line to the throne.
