Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested in Norfolk, UK.
The former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles, was arrested on his birthday (February 19), this morning at Sandringham in Norfolk.
This is the first time the former prince, who has faced a barrage of allegations over his links to the convicted s** offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been arrested.
It’s important to note that this arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor gave up royal titles late last year
Announcing the shocking news in October, Andrew wrote: “In discussion with the king, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.
“I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”
Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of s**ual misconduct against him, but noted that, ultimately, the subject no doubt distracts from the work of the royal family.
The statement concluded: “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further.
“I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
The King and Queen Camilla issued an unprecedented response to the statement, in which they spoke out about victims of abuse.
Buckingham Palace concluded: “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
DOJ release more than three million Epstein files
It’s safe to say that the most recent of more than three million Epstein file documents publicly released by the US Department of Justice has reignited intense scrutiny of former Prince Andrew.
The files prompted calls from politicians and other senior public figures for Andrew to testify about what he knows, if anything, regarding the treatment of young women and girls in Epstein’s orbit.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
The former Prince Andrew, son of the late Queen Elizabeth, was arrested this morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as per the BBC – marking a very significant development.
It’s been reported that Thames Valley Police have been looking into the allegations against Andrew.
While it investigates allegations of misconduct in public office, it is also looking into allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a s**ual encounter with the former prince.
Police issue statement
A statement from Thames Valley police reads: “As part of the 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 man remains in police custody at this time.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
What sentence does misconduct in public office carry?
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), misconduct in public office is an offence that can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
It explains: “The offence concerns serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held. There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities.
“The Court of Appeal has made it clear that the offence should be strictly confined, and it can raise complex and sometimes sensitive issues.”
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