Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace.

King Charles III responded to his brother’s arrest in a press release from Buckingham Palace.

“I’ve famous with the best concern the information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public workplace,” the king mentioned. “What follows is the total, honest and correct course of by which this matter is correctly investigated by the suitable authorities. On this, as I’ve mentioned earlier than, they’ve our full and honest help and cooperation. Let me make it clear: the legislation should take its course.”

“Whereas this course of continues, it might not be applicable for me to remark additional on this matter. Within the meantime, my household and I’ll proceed in our responsibility and repair to all of you,” he added.

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SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK – FEBRUARY 19: Males get out of an unmarked automotive on the residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 19, 2026 in Sandringham, Norfolk. Andrew Mounbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace, following police investigations into the just lately launched Epstein information. The previous prince continues to disclaim all allegations. (Picture by Peter Nicholls/Getty Photos) (Peter Nicholls/Getty Photos)

Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew earlier Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in a public workplace and he stays in custody. He turned 66 on Thursday.

Police are finishing up searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. He has but to be charged with any wrongdoing. He will be held for as much as 96 hours earlier than being charged or launched.

Misconduct in public workplace is against the law the place somebody abuses or neglects their energy or obligations. It applies to folks in positions throughout the UK authorities and public providers, together with elected officers, civil servants, the police and the judiciary, in addition to some others who work in public providers.

Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London, mentioned Andrew was arrested following a “thorough evaluation” with an investigation now open.

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Prince Andrew, Duke of York and King Charles III attend the Requiem Mass of Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Photos)

“Following an intensive investigation, we have now now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public workplace,” mentioned Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright. “It is vital that we defend the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our companions to analyze this alleged crime. We perceive the numerous public curiosity on this case and we’ll present updates sooner or later.”

The previous prince has confronted public criticism for his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, who died by obvious suicide in 2019 whereas in a Manhattan jail cell.

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Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who additionally died final yr by obvious suicide, so-called that Andrew had intercourse along with her when he knew she was solely 17, in accordance with an extract from her memoir printed by The Guardian.

She mentioned Epstein affiliate Ghislaine Maxwell informed her: “After we get residence, do for him what you do for Jeffrey.”

“He was type sufficient, however nonetheless entitled – as if he believed intercourse with me was his birthright,” Giuffre wrote of the previous prince.

“The subsequent morning, Maxwell mentioned to me, ‘You probably did a superb job. The prince had enjoyable.’ Epstein would give me $15,000 to help the person the tabloids known as ‘Randy Andy,’” Giuffre wrote.

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A person will get out of an unmarked automotive at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence in Sandringham, Norfolk, on February 19, 2026. Andrew Mounbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace, following police investigations into the just lately launched Jeffrey Epstein information. (Peter Nicholls/Getty Photos)

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Giuffre’s household mentioned in a press release: “Lastly. At present our damaged hearts are relieved by the information that nobody is above the legislation, not even the Royal Household. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we specific our gratitude to Britain’s Thames Valley Police for his or her investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was by no means a prince. To survivors in every single place, Virginia did this for you.”

In October 2025, Mountbatten-Windsor said in a statement that he would “now not use my title or the respect bestowed upon me”, noting: “As I’ve mentioned beforehand, I vehemently deny the allegations in opposition to me.”

Later that very same month, a press release from Buckingham Palace said that the King had “initiated a proper course of to abolish Prince Andrew’s model, titles and honors”, noting: “Prince Andrew will now be generally known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”

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A person will get out of an unmarked automotive at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence in Sandringham, Norfolk, on February 19, 2026. (Peter Nicholls/Getty Photos)

The Crown Prosecution Service states that misconduct in public workplace carries a most jail sentence of life in jail.

“Misconduct in public workplace (“MiPO”) is a typical legislation offense which is barely triable on indictment. It carries a most penalty of life imprisonment. The offense includes severe intentional abuse or neglect of the powers or obligations of the train of public workplace. There should be a direct hyperlink between the misconduct and the abuse of these powers or obligations. The Court docket of Enchantment has made clear that the offense should be strictly restricted and that it could increase advanced and generally delicate points,” the Crown Prosecution Service mentioned.

Tim Santhouse and David Spunt of the Related Press and Fox Information contributed to this report