British police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former senior royal, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to a statement issued by Thames Valley Police.
The police force did not officially name the suspect, in line with U.K. legal practice. However, when asked whether Mountbatten-Windsor had been detained, authorities referred to a statement confirming the arrest of “a man in his sixties.” Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.
In its statement, Thames Valley Police said: “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.”
Police confirmed that the man remains in custody. Authorities declined to identify him, citing national guidance, and warned that the case is now active, urging caution in reporting to avoid contempt of court.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had opened a formal investigation following a thorough assessment of the allegation. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence,” Wright said.
He acknowledged the “significant public interest” surrounding the case and stated that updates would be provided at an appropriate time.
Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was stripped of his royal titles and patronages following controversy over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest marks a significant development in the latest legal scrutiny surrounding the former royal.
