Source The guardian
NORFOLK, UK — In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through the British monarchy, the man formerly known as Prince Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police on Thursday morning. The arrest took place at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, coincidentally falling on his 66th birthday.
The former Duke of York, now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is the first senior member of the Royal Family to be taken into police custody in modern history.
The Allegations: Misconduct in Public Office
The arrest is the culmination of a widening investigation into his dealings with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Andrew has long faced public scrutiny over his personal associations, this specific criminal inquiry focuses on his professional conduct during his tenure as a UK trade envoy (2001–2011).
Key details regarding the charges include:
Misuse of Sensitive Information: Police are investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential government trade reports and “market-changing” commercial information with Epstein.
The “Epstein Files”: The investigation was reportedly reignited by the release of millions of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2026, which allegedly contained emails showing the unauthorized forwarding of sensitive documents.
Coordinated Searches: While Andrew remains in custody, officers have been seen searching both his current residence in Norfolk and his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The Palace Response
King Charles III, who formally stripped his brother of his royal titles and evicted him from Royal Lodge late last year, issued a terse but firm statement through Buckingham Palace.
“The King expresses his deepest concern regarding these developments,” the statement read. “However, let me state clearly: the law must take its course. The police have the King’s full and wholehearted support.”
What Happens Next?
The legal process is now moving into a critical phase:
Police Interview: Andrew is expected to be interviewed under criminal caution. Detectives will present the evidence gathered from the newly unsealed Epstein documents.
Charging Decision: Within 24 to 96 hours, prosecutors must decide whether there is sufficient evidence to formally charge him with misconduct in public office, a common-law offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, though such sentences are rare.
Line of Succession: Despite being a private citizen without a title, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne. Removing him from the line of succession would require a formal Act of Parliament, a move that constitutional experts suggest may now be unavoidable.
The arrest marks a definitive end to the “private protection” the former prince once enjoyed, signaling a new era of accountability for the House of Windsor.
