Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested latest: Police take royal into custody amid Epstein allegations
Former prince detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office after police swoop on his Sandringham home
Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 today, was detained at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Thursday, Thames Valley Police said.
The force launched an investigation into the former prince’s dealings with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein amid claims he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
It came after a new tranche of e-mails were released as part of the so-called Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice.
In a statement, the force said officers were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. They added that the arrested man remains in police custody.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Sir Keir Starmer became the latest high profile figure to pile pressure onto the former royal by calling for him to officially testify to US officials about his links.
WATCH: Vehicles arrive at Sandringham as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is first senior royal to be arrested since English Civil War
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
You would have to go back to the English Civil War for the last arrest, when Charles I was detained by forces aligned with parliament in 1647.
In November 2002, Princess Anne became the first member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence, but she was not arrested in the process.
She pleaded guilty to one charge of having a dog dangerously out of control and was fined £500.
In 2019 Norfolk Police spoke to Prince Philip after he was pictured driving without a seat belt.
It came two days after the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a crash near Sandringham in which a woman broke her wrist. However, he was not arrested.
Campaign group Republic welcomes news of arrest
Anti-monarchy group Republic said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was “likely influenced by Republic's pursuit of a private prosecution”, adding that its chief executive Graham Smith sent a crime report to Thames Valley Police.
Mr Smith said: "Make no mistake, this is a result of Republic's action.
"We reported Andrew to the police when others were unwilling to act. Republic has been instigating a private prosecution when the police were reluctant to investigate."
"Republic's lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months."
He added: "The police must follow all evidence wherever it leads."
King and Queen both set to appear in public later today
King Charles and Queen Camilla are both due to make public appearances at separate engagements in London later today.
It is unclear whether the news of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest will change these plans.
How long Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be held by police for?
Policing commentator Danny Shaw has spoken on BBC Radio 5 Live about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mr Shaw said the maximum time Mr Mountbatten-Windsor could be held for is 96 hours, though this would require multiple extensions from police and a magistrates’ court.
He told the radio station that the former prince will be held in "a cell in a custody suite" with just "a bed and a toilet", awaiting his police interview.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Arrest comes hours after PM urged Andrew to testify about Epstein links
Political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Just hours before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, Sir Keir Starmer piled further pressure onto the former prince to testify about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the Sir Keir insisted that “nobody is above the law”, and said: “Anybody who has any information should testify.
“So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.
“Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on his birthday
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on the day that he turns 66 years old.
Arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would support the police if approached
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims made against him.
A spokesman for the palace added that the King had made clear his “profound concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged conduct.
What is misconduct in public office?
The Crown Prosecution Service defines misconduct in public office as: “Serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.
It says for an offence to be committed: “There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities.
In its prosecution guidance, it adds: “There is no simple definition of a public officer, and each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the role, the duties carried out and the level of public trust involved.”
It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
MP urges Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to fully co-operate with police
An MP has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with police following his arrest this morning.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins told The Independent:”It is important in any society that seeks to uphold the rule of law that no one is above the law. Epstein’s crimes were grave and his victims deserve justice.
“Without assuming the outcome, and respecting the process, it is important that everyone fully cooperates with the police on this matter regardless of their status.”
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