Former Prince Andrew arrested over alleged Epstein files scrutiny

Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office following renewed scrutiny of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

London — UK police have arrested Prince Andrew, following weeks of renewed revelations related to his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest marks an unprecedented moment, making Andrew the first member of Britain’s royal family in centuries to be detained on criminal suspicion.

The arrest was carried out on Thursday by Thames Valley Police, which confirmed that a man in his 60s was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office—an offence that carries a potential life sentence under UK law. While police did not formally name Andrew, citing standard British legal practice, the circumstances were widely confirmed by officials and sources.

Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, previously served as the UK’s special trade envoy. Investigators are examining allegations that he shared confidential government documents with Epstein during that tenure. The inquiry gained momentum after recently released US Justice Department files appeared to include an email showing Andrew forwarding sensitive briefing material to Epstein.

The development follows Andrew’s dramatic fall from royal duties. He was stripped of his titles last year and is no longer a working royal. His brother, King Charles III, expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and stated that the matter must be addressed through due legal process.

Police confirmed that searches were conducted at two properties linked to Andrew in Berkshire and Norfolk, including a residence on the Sandringham Estate. Local Norfolk police said they were assisting the Thames Valley Police investigation.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not commented on the latest document disclosures. Authorities said updates would be provided as the investigation progresses, citing the exceptional public interest in the case.