Andrew Arrested: Shamed Ex-Prince Reportedly Faces Life In Jail Over Epstein 'Spy' Claims

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files, with police carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Thames Valley Police said it had detained 'a man in his sixties from Norfolk' and warned the case was now active, urging caution in reporting to avoid contempt of court. The arrest places renewed scrutiny on allegations about the Duke of York's past public role and his contacts with Epstein, while senior figures stressed that any criminal inquiry must run its course.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest: Police Confirm Investigation

In a statement released on Thursday, Thames Valley Police said: 'As part of the (Epstein) investigation, we have today 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 force added: 'The man remains in police custody at this time,' and said it would not name the arrested person 'as per national guidance.'

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened an investigation 'following a thorough assessment' and would provide updates 'at the appropriate time.' Wright said police understood the 'significant public interest' but emphasised the need to protect 'the integrity and objectivity' of the inquiry while it worked with partners.

Photographs and video posted online appeared to show unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothes officers at Wood Farm, a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk linked to Mountbatten-Windsor. The Guardian reported images emerged shortly after 8am, before police confirmed the arrest.

Several outlets reported the arrest relates to allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his time as a UK trade representative, passed confidential information to Epstein. The BBC said the investigation being conducted by Thames Valley Police is examining claims of misconduct in public office.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest Raises Fresh Questions For Palace And Government

RadarOnline reported Mountbatten-Windsor was detained at a Sandringham property on Thursday, the day of his 66th birthday, as officers moved to question him on suspicion of the offence. It also suggested that the suspected offence is punishable by up to life imprisonment and that the inquiry follows claims he acted as a 'spy' for Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy.​

Buckingham Palace has not made a detailed public statement on the arrest beyond indicating in previous reporting that it would support police if approached, according to international coverage that cited palace comment requests.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said 'nobody is above the law' when asked about the allegations, and repeated a general call for anyone with relevant information to come forward. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Starmer said: 'Anyone with relevant information should come forward. So, whether it's Andrew or anyone else, those with pertinent information should be forthcoming to the appropriate authority.'​

The BBC noted that justices and officials typically avoid commenting on active legal matters, while police have separately stressed the sensitivity of an open investigation. Thames Valley Police's statement said it would not name the arrested person and warned that publications should take care because the case is active.​

Misconduct in public office is a common law offence in the UK, and police and prosecutors do not comment publicly on charging decisions until they are made. As of Thursday morning, Thames Valley Police said only that the suspect remained in custody while searches continued in Berkshire and Norfolk.