Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by Thames Valley Police
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The 66-year-old is being investigated in connection with documents released by the US Government, which allege that Queen Elizabeth II’s son shared sensitive information with the billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This morning, police vehicles were photographed at the Sandringham estate where the former royal is living. Thames Valley Police confirmed it is conducting searches of properties linked to Mountbatten-Windsor in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles in October of last year following allegations in the posthumous memoir written by Virginia Giuffre.
The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said that it was investigating allegations that the former member of the Royal Family, who turns 66 today, has a sexual encounter with a woman who was trafficked to the UK by convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Searches are being carried out by police officers at Andrew’s addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Previously, Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all claims made against him.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
"The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
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. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Thames Valley police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with the former prince.
Yesterday evening, Thames Valley Police confirmed that Mountbatten-Windsor had been released but remained under investigation.