Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British Prince, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, it emerged on Thursday.
Andrew was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein last year.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s from Norfolk, eastern England, was arrested and remains in custody. While the force did not identify the suspect, in line with standard UK procedures, officials referenced the statement when asked whether Mountbatten-Windsor was involved.
Britain’s Prince Andrew, center, and his daughters Princess Eugenie, left, and Princess Beatrice leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, in London, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File)
The 66-year-old, who recently moved to his brother King Charles III’s estate in Norfolk after being evicted from his longtime home near Windsor Castle, is reportedly the individual in question.
Police had previously been “assessing” claims that Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential trade reports to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, while serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade. The allegations emerged from correspondence included in the Justice Department documents released last month.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest and will provide updates in due course.”
