Fuente de la imagen, Reuters
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Former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 60s in Norfolk at 8:00 GMT, stating searches were being conducted at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. The police did not immediately identify the individual by name.
King Charles III expressed “deepest concern” upon learning of the news, stating that the police have his “full support and co-operation.”
Andrew was seen leaving the Aylsham police station in a vehicle at approximately 6:50 PM GMT.
Shortly after, Thames Valley Police released a statement confirming that “the individual has been released under investigation.”
British police had previously indicated they were considering investigating the former prince regarding allegations related to his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Authorities are examining claims that Andrew shared confidential material with Epstein, following the release of communications between the two men in files published by the U.S. Government in January.
This marks the first time Andrew has been arrested. The former prince has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police stated that, following a “thorough assessment,” a formal investigation had been launched.
The force also indicated earlier in February that it was evaluating a separate allegation that Epstein provided a woman to the United Kingdom for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010. The woman, who is not British, was in her twenties at the time.
The arrest of the former prince, which took place at the Sandringham estate at 8:00 AM Thursday, is not related to any allegations of sexual offenses.
Background
Several unmarked police vehicles were seen this morning outside King Charles III’s estate in Norfolk, where the former prince has resided since leaving his home in Windsor, Berkshire.
The BBC understands that the Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former residence in Windsor Great Park, was being searched by police.
Thames Valley Police stated it would not reveal the identity of the arrested individual “in line with national guidelines” and cautioned that, given the ongoing investigation, care should be taken to avoid contempt of court.
Police Chief Superintendent Oliver Wright said: “We understand the considerable public interest in this case and will provide updates when appropriate.”
Norfolk Police said it was supporting a Thames Valley Police investigation into misconduct in public office.
The former Duke of York served as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, traveling the world and enjoying privileged access to high-level government and business contacts.
Recently released files from the U.S. Department of Justice appear to show Andrew sending reports to Jeffrey Epstein on government visits to Vietnam, Singapore and China in 2010.
The documents also suggest the former prince provided Epstein with information regarding investment opportunities in gold and uranium in Afghanistan.
Under British regulations, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information related to official visits.
Fuente de la imagen, Getty Images
“The Law Must Take Its Course”
King Charles III said Thursday he received the news of his brother’s arrest with deep concern.
“What follows is a thorough, fair and proper process whereby this matter will be investigated as appropriate by the authorities,” he said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: the law must take its course.
“Whilst this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to fulfil our duties and service to all of you.”
The BBC understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, support the King’s statement.
Neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were given advance notice of Andrew’s arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday.
The Royal Family has maintained its schedule, opting to continue with engagements despite the extraordinary developments this morning.
King Charles III, who was attending a solo event celebrating the start of London Fashion Week, did not respond to questions from journalists about his reaction to his brother’s arrest.
Queen Camilla was asked about her brother-in-law’s arrest as she left an event in Windsor.
“Are you concerned about Prince Andrew’s arrest, Your Majesty?” the Queen was asked as she got into a waiting car following a lunchtime concert. She waved but did not respond.
Former Prince Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in connection with his links to Epstein. He has not responded to requests from the BBC for comment on the specific allegations related to the release of millions of Epstein case files in January.
Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the BBC he sent a five-page letter to several British police forces with new and additional information extracted from the Epstein files.
In a statement, Brown said the new information builds on what he submitted last week, expressing concern that “justice is done for the girls and women who were victims of trafficking.”
The Settlement with Virginia Giuffre
Andrew previously faced allegations from another woman, Virginia Giuffre, which were settled out of court.
Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sexual relations with Andrew on multiple occasions, including one on Epstein’s private island in the early 2000s.
The agreement reached between Giuffre and the former prince did not include any admission of wrongdoing by the latter.
Andrew stepped down from his royal duties in 2019, saying the allegations had grow a “major disruption” to the royal family.
He subsequently lost his military titles and royal patronages when Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against him in the United States in 2022.
Andrew was stripped of his title of prince in October 2025, the same month Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs were published and as new details emerged about her relationship with Epstein.
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