In a move that has sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom, British authorities arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on Thursday—coinciding with his 66th birthday—on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This development is in connection with allegations concerning his ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 60s, with searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk following. Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody while investigators review evidence related to his decade-long tenure as a UK trade envoy, a role he held from 2001 to 2011.
The arrest follows the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice which suggest that during his official duties, Andrew may have shared sensitive British government information with Epstein and his associates. According to a 2010 email exchange reported by The Guardian, he allegedly forwarded confidential trade reports from official visits to various countries and investment information to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor's position as a UK trade envoy required him to maintain strict confidentiality over political, commercial, and diplomatic matters. However, critics have raised concerns that his personal relationship with Epstein may have compromised his official responsibilities.
While Andrew has acknowledged a personal friendship with Epstein and settled a civil lawsuit with one of Epstein’s underage victims, he has consistently denied any misconduct connected to his government role. King Charles III has expressed his "deepest concern" over the arrest and emphasized the importance of due process, pledging the royal family’s cooperation with law enforcement.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police stated that the arrest followed a thorough assessment of allegations tied to Andrew's service as a trade envoy. He emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity and objectivity of the investigation.
Mountbatten-Windsor has faced previous setbacks, including being stripped of his royal titles, removed from official duties, and relocated from his Windsor mansion to a residence on the Sandringham Estate. His personal allowance and security funding were reduced, although the King continues to cover the cost of his current accommodation.
Political leaders across the UK have commented on the situation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy U.K. Prime Minister David Lammy have both underscored that "nobody is above the law," with Lammy stressing the need for an impartial investigation. In Scotland, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn described the arrest as a "very serious development," and former First Minister Humza Yousaf credited Epstein’s victims for prompting scrutiny and ensuring accountability.
Police have not released further details about the specific allegations. Under U.K. law, suspects can be held for 24 hours without charge, extendable under special authorization. Authorities continue reviewing documents and communications from Andrew's time as a trade envoy while maintaining the integrity of the investigation amid widespread public interest.
The arrest represents another significant chapter in ongoing scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and the broader fallout from his association with Epstein. Officials stress that the investigation will proceed according to legal processes, reinforcing that accountability extends to all individuals, regardless of status or title.
