Were King Charles, Prince William Warned About Andrew's Arrest? Monarch Vows 'Proper Process'

King Charles and Prince William were not told in advance that police planned to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, according to BBC reporting, after officers detained the former prince on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The arrest has triggered intense scrutiny because it involves an alleged abuse of a public role and has prompted a formal royal response in which the King said 'the law must take its course', while police confirmed searches at addresses linked to Andrew.

Monarch Vows 'Proper Process'

Andrew, 66, was arrested on Thursday, 19 February and taken into custody in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said. In a statement carried on the Guardian's live reporting, the force said it had 'taken a man in his sixties from Norfolk into custody' and that he was later 'released under investigation' as enquiries continued.​

The Guardian reported that unmarked police vehicles were seen at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate shortly after 8am, and said investigators were examining allegations that Andrew disclosed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving in an official capacity. The BBC said the arrest is not linked to sexual offence allegations.

The BBC also reported that Thames Valley Police informed the Home Office ahead of the arrest, but that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance. The Guardian's live blog also cited the National Police Chiefs' Council as saying Thames Valley Police notified the Home Office 30 minutes before the arrest 'in accordance with standard procedures.'

Thames Valley Police said searches in Norfolk had been completed, while 'investigations at his previous residence, the Royal Lodge located in Windsor, Berkshire, are still in progress,' according to the same police statement quoted by the Guardian. Police were searching Royal Lodge, Andrew's former home in Windsor Great Park, and said officers had been seen beyond its gates.

Police And Palace Response

In comments relayed by the Guardian's live reporting, the King said he had learned 'with the deepest concern' of the news and added: 'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.'

He continued: 'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,' and said it would not be right to comment further while the process was underway.​

The BBC reported that Thames Valley Police would not identify the arrested individual 'as per national guidance' and warned that care must be taken to avoid contempt of court as the case progresses.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police recognised 'significant public interest' and would provide updates 'at the appropriate time,' he added.​

Andrew was pictured leaving Aylsham Police Station on Thursday evening after nearly 12 hours of questioning, according to the Guardian's live updates. The Guardian said he was photographed in the back seat of a vehicle as he departed, while police had not released further details about his interview.​

Misconduct in public office is a rarely used common-law offence that generally concerns wrongdoing by someone carrying out public duties, and is considered difficult to prosecute. The BBC's live reporting described it as an allegation that a person, acting in a public role, behaved in a 'gravely improper' way while aware of the wrongdoing.

Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to other allegations connected to Epstein, and being named in released files is not, in itself, proof of misconduct.