In an unprecedented move, British police took the Duke of York into custody on his 66th birthday over allegations he passed confidential government papers to the disgraced financier.
LONDON – In a historic first for the British monarchy, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, plunging the House of Windsor into its deepest crisis of the 21st century.
The Duke of York, 66, was detained by Thames Valley Police on Thursday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. The arrest stems from allegations that, while serving as a UK trade envoy, he supplied classified government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Arrest
Pictures from the scene showed a convoy of six unmarked police cars and approximately eight plain-clothed officers arriving at the secluded property, where the prince has been living since being forced to step back from royal duties. Officers also conducted a search of his former residence, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor Estate in Berkshire .
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest, with Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stating: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The Allegations
The investigation was triggered by the recent release of over 3 million pages of U.S. government documents related to Epstein. The files reportedly contain evidence suggesting that in 2010, Prince Andrew forwarded emails containing reports about his official trade visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and other nations directly to Epstein .
The complaint was originally filed by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic. While Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein and expressed regret over their friendship, his office has remained silent since the latest document dump .
King Charles Responds
In a rare and somber public statement, King Charles III addressed the arrest of his younger brother, emphasizing the independence of the legal system.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Buckingham Palace later reiterated that the King has expressed “profound concern” at the ongoing revelations and that their sympathies remain with the victims of abuse.
A History of Scandal
This arrest is not the prince’s first encounter with the Epstein scandal. In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager—allegations he has always denied. Giuffre died by suicide last year .
The fallout from his association with Epstein has been relentless:
- 2019: He was forced to quit all official royal duties following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein.
- 2022: He was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
- 2023: He was evicted from Royal Lodge and relocated to the more modest Wood Farm cottage.
What “Arrest” Means
It is crucial to note that an arrest does not imply guilt; it indicates that police have a reasonable suspicion and believe an arrest is necessary to allow for a full and impartial investigation.
If charged and convicted, misconduct in public office—a common law offense—carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and would be heard in a Crown Court.
Wider Investigations
The scandal is widening beyond the prince. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a police inquiry into how Epstein allegedly trafficked women through London’s Stansted Airport without proper checks. Essex Police confirmed on Wednesday they are looking into the matter .
Additionally, Thames Valley Police are assessing separate allegations, also brought by Republic, that a woman was trafficked to an address in Windsor for sex in 2010.
Mountbatten-Windsor remains released under investigation as inquiries continue, marking an unprecedented and perilous chapter for the British monarchy.
