LONDON : Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to British media reports on Thursday.
Thames Valley Police said a man in his sixties from Norfolk was detained on Feb. 19 as part of an active investigation. Officers are conducting searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“The man remains in police custody at this time,” the force said in a statement. Police declined to identify the suspect in line with national guidance and cautioned that the case is now active, warning that reporting must avoid breaching contempt of court rules.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said a formal investigation was launched following a detailed assessment of the allegation.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence,” Wright said. He acknowledged the significant public interest in the case and said updates would be provided when appropriate.
Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 and was stripped of his honorary military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022 over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has faced sustained scrutiny in both the UK and the United States.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the former royal should cooperate with U.S. authorities in their investigation, though he did not comment directly on the arrest.
Former Prince Andrew, now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to the Epstein files. Thames Valley Police detained him in Norfolk, with searches ongoing in Berkshire and Norfolk. The investigation is active, and authorities emphasize maintaining its integrity while public interest remains high.