King Charles has insisted “the law must take its course” after detectives took the unprecedented step of arresting his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, on his 66th birthday, is thought to be the first time in modern history that a member of the royal family has been held by police.
Mountbatten-Windsor 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 pictured being driven away shortly after 7pm. Thames Valley police said he had been released under investigation, with searches at his Norfolk property concluded and searches at the Royal Lodge in Windsor continuing.
In a statement, Charles 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 king and queen continued their royal duties, with Charles attending audiences at St James’s Palace and Camilla visiting a concert in Westminster, while Princess Anne visited HMP Leeds.
Thames Valley police said it had arrested “a man in his 60s from Norfolk” on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.”
The arrest came hours after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “nobody is above the law” and that anyone with information should testify. It is understood neither the king nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance, with police leaders giving the Home Office 30 minutes’ notice. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.
