Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested On Suspicion Of Misconduct In Public Office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports.

It comes after cars arrived at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk where the former prince lives earlier this morning.

US Congress released as huge dossier of information about the dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein at the end of last month.

UK police have subsequently been assessing claims that Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year, passed confidential government information to Epstein when he was a trade envoy more than a decade ago.

Thames Valley police has also been looking into allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the former Duke of York back in 2010.

The woman in question is not believed to be British, and was in her 20s at the time. Her lawyer claimed she was allegedly then given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace.

The specifics of the allegations being investigated by the police are still under wraps, and it remains unclear what information prompted the arrest.

Andrew, who turns 66 today, has always denied any claims of wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and any allegations against him.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: “As part of the investigation, we have today 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.”

The arrest means police will now be able to search Andrew’s homes and possessions.

It comes hours after prime minister Keir Starmer said “nobody is above the law”, although he refused to say if he should volunteer himself to the police.

O’Bryan Grandison, Senior Lecturer in Policing at Birmingham City University, explained that this arrest is “unprecedented”.

In a comment to HuffPost UK, he said: “He is the first senior royal to be arrested in modern history and this reflects the UK’s policing integrity.

“These officers are following the evidence, free from political interference at a time when global influences speak differently.

“It should be noted that ‘misconduct in a public office’ has a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“The public should not expect a quick result. It is likely to be a long and protract process, especially if it has implications outside the UK.

“If the next 24 hours does result in a charge being put forward then it reflects the level of available evidence and prima facie case the police believe that they have.”

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