SUMMARY
- Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with the Epstein case
- Thames Valley Police conducted searches in Berkshire and Norfolk
- Buckingham Palace says King Charles III will support the investigation into Prince Andrew
LONDON — Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, police and Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday.
Thames Valley Police said officers detained “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” following what they described as a thorough assessment of allegations.
The force did not name the individual, in line with British practice, but confirmed searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. Prince Andrew turned sixty six on Thursday and resides on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Buckingham Palace said King Charles III would cooperate fully with investigators and referred to his brother as “Mr. Mountbatten Windsor.”
The arrest marks the most serious legal development yet for Prince Andrew, whose public standing collapsed following scrutiny over his ties to Epstein.
While he was stripped of military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022 and settled a US civil lawsuit without admitting liability, this is the first time British authorities have confirmed a criminal investigation involving him.
Thames Valley Police said it opened the inquiry after reviewing material related to allegations that confidential trade or government information may have been shared in 2010.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” the force said.
Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein has been under examination for several years.
Epstein, who was convicted in Florida in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking charges.
In 2019, Andrew stepped back from public duties after a televised interview in which he denied wrongdoing and said he had ended contact with Epstein in 2010.
Subsequent disclosures of emails and documents in US court proceedings have renewed questions about the timeline of that relationship.
Under UK law, misconduct in public office is a common law offense that can apply to public officials accused of willful neglect of duty or abuse of public trust. Legal scholars note it carries potentially severe penalties depending on the findings.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Year | Development | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Epstein convicted in Florida | First public scrutiny of associates |
| 2010 | Andrew visits Epstein in New York | Later cited in media reports |
| 2019 | Epstein dies in U.S. custody | Global investigations intensify |
| 2022 | Andrew loses royal titles and patronages | Formal distancing by monarchy |
| 2026 | Arrest on suspicion of misconduct | Active UK criminal probe |
Robert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution at University College London, said the arrest places the monarchy in a legally delicate position.
“The royal household must demonstrate institutional neutrality and full cooperation,” Hazell said. “Any perception of interference would carry constitutional implications.”
Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti monarchy group Republic, said his organization had previously urged police to investigate.
“We believe all allegations involving public office should be examined transparently and without exception,” Smith said.
Michael Walker, contributing editor at Novara Media, said the development could affect public trust.
“This underscores ongoing questions about accountability at the highest levels of British public life,” Walker said.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the king had “learned with the deepest concern” of the arrest.
“The law must take its course,” the statement said, adding that the royal family would not comment further while the investigation is active.
A senior official familiar with parliamentary procedure, who spoke on condition of being named as part of the public record, said members of Parliament had previously called on Prince Andrew to cooperate with authorities.
“There has been cross party concern that all relevant information be provided to investigators,” the official said.
Former Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Nazir Afzal said the threshold for arrest suggests investigators believe there are reasonable grounds.
“Police do not take such steps lightly, particularly in cases involving prominent individuals,” Afzal said. “However, arrest does not imply guilt, and due process is central.”
Under UK procedure, suspects may be questioned and either released under investigation, released on bail or charged. Thames Valley Police said updates would be provided “at the appropriate time.”
Any charging decision would typically involve consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, which assesses whether evidence meets the threshold for prosecution and whether charges are in the public interest.
For the monarchy, the investigation into Prince Andrew unfolds as King Charles seeks to modernize the institution while preserving public confidence.
The palace has emphasized cooperation with authorities and has publicly distanced the institution from Andrew’s affairs.
The arrest of Prince Andrew in connection with allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein represents a significant moment for British public life.
As police examine whether misconduct in public office occurred, authorities say the investigation will proceed independently.
The outcome could carry legal and institutional consequences, but officials stress that the process is ongoing and subject to established judicial safeguards.
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