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 that he shared confidential material with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation, with searches at his Norfolk home on the Sandringham estate concluded. Searches continue at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, his former address. The arrest, on his 66th birthday, marks 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.” Neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented earlier that “nobody is above the law” and urged anyone with information to testify. Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened an investigation and stressed the importance of protecting its integrity and objectivity.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The arrest follows the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US justice department, which prompted a review of allegations by multiple police forces.
