UK's Prince Andrew arrested over misconduct allegations tied to Epstein files

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former Duke of York and younger brother of King Charles, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed Thursday. The 66-year-old was taken into custody in Norfolk, England, following a "thorough assessment" of allegations that emerged from recently published Jeffrey Epstein files. Police stated the man remains in custody while searches are conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, declining to identify the accused "as per national guidance."

Epstein Connections and Trade Envoy Role

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the force has "now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office." The former prince, who served as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, withdrew from royal duties in 2019 after his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public. According to newly released documents, Andrew shared details of his official trade mission itineraries with Epstein, including trips to Singapore, Vietnam, and China. Records also indicate he forwarded official reports from those trips to Epstein shortly after receiving them from his assistant.

Denial and Ongoing Investigation

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. The arrest follows a February 9 announcement that police were assessing reports of alleged misconduct according to established procedures. The investigation marks a significant escalation in legal scrutiny of the former royal's conduct during his decade as a trade representative, with authorities now examining potential breaches of public office responsibilities.