King Charles’ brother Andrew arrested over misconduct probe linked to Epstein files

Prince Andrew

• Prince Andrew arrested for alleged misconduct linked to Epstein
• Police investigate Andrew for sharing UK secrets with Epstein
• Arrest after new revelations heightens scrutiny on royal family

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Britain’s former prince Andrew was on Thursday arrested on suspicion of misconduct during his time as a trade envoy, as UK police investigations into allegations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein files gathered pace.

The arrest, described by observers as unprecedented in Britain’s modern era, marks a dramatic setback for Andrew, who was marking his 66th birthday on Thursday.

Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, was last year stripped of all his titles and royal roles. He had also been forced out of his former residence by the King amid mounting public pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The latest action comes as British authorities widen scrutiny following fresh revelations linked to the Epstein files, intensifying focus on the once-senior royal’s past associations.

The development marks a significant escalation in the long-running controversy surrounding the Duke of York’s association with Epstein, an issue that has drawn global attention and embarrassed Britain’s royal family in recent years.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that the force had opened an investigation into “an offense of misconduct in public office,” and had arrested “a man in his sixties.” Mountbatten-Windsor turned 66 on Thursday.

The arrest comes after renewed scrutiny following additional disclosures related to Epstein, whose past ties with several high-profile figures have triggered investigations and legal proceedings across countries.

"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," the Thames Valley force said in a statement, without naming the suspect.

New revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files appear to show Andrew sent the convicted US sex offender potentially confidential documents during his time as a UK trade envoy.

The ex-royal, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, also reportedly sent the American financier details of the trip -- on which he was accompanied by Epstein's business associates -- along with investment opportunities months later.

The former prince was eventually stripped of his titles after one of Epstein's victims alleged she had been trafficked to have sex with him. He has previously denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.

Charles has voiced "concern" over his brother's actions and last week issued an unprecedented statement noting Buckingham Palace was "ready to support" the police in their inquiries.

Britain's King Charles III said that "the law must take its course" after police arrested his brother, the former prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct when he was a trade envoy.

"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," Charles said in a rare personally signed statement.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation," he noted, before adding "let me state clearly: the law must take its course"

Earlier in the day, British newspapers reported that six unmarked police vehicles and around eight plainclothes officers arrived at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in eastern England.

According to reports, Thames Valley Police had been examining allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor passed confidential government documents to Epstein. The claims are said to be linked to files recently released by the U.S. government.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has previously said he regrets their friendship. He has not responded to requests for comment following the latest release of documents.

Thames Valley Police did not immediately comment on the reported arrest.

The development marks a dramatic escalation in scrutiny around the Duke of York’s long-running association with Epstein, an issue that has drawn global attention in recent years.