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 he shared confidential material with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was later released under investigation, with searches continuing at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s from Norfolk had been arrested, and searches were carried out at properties in Norfolk and Berkshire. The arrest, believed to be the first of a senior royal in modern history, came after police decided that an interview under caution would not suffice and that arrest was necessary to progress the investigation. Searches at the Norfolk property have concluded, while those at the Royal Lodge continue.
King Charles gave his unqualified backing to the investigation, stating: “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 said that “nobody is above the law” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest. Police leaders alerted the Home Office 30 minutes before the arrest, in line with routine practice. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police is one of several forces reviewing allegations that resurfaced following the publication of the so-called Epstein files by the US Justice Department.
