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Topics: Crime, Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III, News, Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News, World News
Madison Burgess
Topics: Crime, Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III, News, Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News, World News
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the BBC.
Photos that emerged this morning (19 February) showed unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm in Norfolk, while plain-clothed officers appeared to gather outside the property.
The former Duke of York, who turns 66 today, is currently residing at Sandringham after being evicted from the Royal Lodge in Windsor by his brother King Charles III, following the allegations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
It comes as Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
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The force said in an update today: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk."
The statement continued: “The man remains in police custody at this time.
"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
No further information has been published on the arrest as of right now.
LADbible Group has contacted the Essex, Metropolitan, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Surrey, and Thames Valley police forces for comment.
Three million files were released last month by the US Department of Justice, shedding light on Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide while awaiting his sex-trafficking trial in 2019.
Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has long faced scrutiny over his ties to the convicted sex offender. The royal has faced damning allegations, which he has continuously denied, including that he sexually assaulted the late Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager after she was trafficked by Epstein.
In 2022, he paid an undisclosed amount to Giuffre, who died by suicide in April last year, to settle a civil sexual assault claim.
Last year, Mountbatten-Windsor's brother, the King, stripped him of his remaining royal titles, including his status as Prince and Duke of York.
In the latest document release, Mountbatten-Windsor's name appeared hundreds of times, including in Epstein’s private emails, as well as being pictured crouched on all fours over an unidentified woman. However, being named or pictured in the files doesn't suggest any wrongdoing.
He has also been accused of knowingly sharing confidential information with Epstein from his official work as trade envoy in 2010 and 2011, as per the BBC.
Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Andrew five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel.
Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Earlier this month, King Charles III spoke out on the accusations against his brother for the first time.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct."
The statement continued: "While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
"As was previously stated, Their Majesties' thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse."
The Prince and Princess of Wales, meanwhile, publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on 9 February, with Kensington Palace saying: "I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.
"Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
There has also been mounting pressure for the former Prince to speak to UK and US authorities about the Epstein scandal.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on BBC Breakfast this morning that 'nobody is above the law'.
When asked whether he thought Mountbatten-Windsor should voluntarily speak to British police, Starmer said: "I think that's a matter for the police.
"They will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law."
He added: "It's a very important principle of our country... and it has to apply in this case in the same way it would in any other case."