London, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III and formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to multiple reports including from the BBC.
The arrest occurred this morning at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, coinciding with his 66th birthday. Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement that officers arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of the offense and are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The individual remains in custody, though police did not name him in line with standard procedure. UK media outlets, including the BBC, CNN, The New York Times, and others, have identified the arrested man as Mountbatten-Windsor.
The investigation stems from allegations linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities are examining claims that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his time as a UK special trade envoy, shared confidential government trade documents or sensitive information with Epstein around 2010. Recent revelations from Epstein-related files released by the US Department of Justice have intensified scrutiny, prompting renewed calls for probes into his dealings with the disgraced financier.
Mountbatten-Windsor has long faced questions over his association with Epstein, though he has repeatedly and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. He was stripped of his “Prince” title and other royal honors in late 2025 amid ongoing controversy surrounding those ties. The offense of misconduct in public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under UK law.
BBC TV was among the first to report the development, stating that police had arrested King Charles’ younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Police vehicles were observed arriving at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate earlier today, with reports of plain-clothed officers involved.
Buckingham Palace has not yet issued an official comment on the arrest. The case marks a significant escalation in the long-running saga involving the former royal and could have profound implications for the monarchy.
Further details are expected as the investigation continues. Mountbatten-Windsor has not responded to requests for comment since the latest file disclosures.