Former British Prince Andrew has been arrested by police investigating allegations of misconduct related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Arrest
Former Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday morning when unmarked police vehicles appeared near Wood Farm – a home on the royal Sandringham estate where Mountbatten-Windsor lives after leaving his previous residence in Windsor. According to British media, at least six vehicles and plainclothes officers were involved in the operation.
The arrest resulted from actions by Thames Valley Police, England’s largest non-metropolitan police force, which is analyzing allegations concerning the transfer of confidential materials to Jeffrey Epstein.
Investigation Focus
The investigation primarily focuses on documents from when Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. Suspicions center on whether he used his position to pass sensitive information about foreign investments or business contacts to a private individual previously convicted of sexual offenses.
Under British law, abuse of public office is among the most serious official offenses and can carry a lengthy prison sentence. Mountbatten-Windsor consistently denies all allegations and has not admitted to any legal violations.
Historical Context
Mountbatten-Windsor’s contacts with Jeffrey Epstein have been controversial for over a decade. Epstein, an American financier, was convicted of sexual offenses and accused of running a network exploiting underage girls.
One of the most prominent accusers was Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced into sexual contact with a member of the British royal family. In 2019, he gave a high-profile BBC interview that was received very critically, leading to his withdrawal from public duties.
Royal Family Response
The Epstein scandal led to unprecedented consequences for Mountbatten-Windsor. In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II removed his military patronages and honorary positions. Then in 2025, King Charles III formally stripped him of his titles, forcing him to leave Royal Lodge and move to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal family is prepared to cooperate with the police, stating: “If the police approach us, we are ready to give them our support. The thoughts of the King and Queen remain with the victims of all forms of abuse.”
Wider Implications
British politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noted that the investigation should be conducted regardless of the social position of the person under investigation. Investigators are also analyzing whether individuals responsible for protecting Mountbatten-Windsor may have ignored potential irregularities during his official activities.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest represents the most serious development in this case since the revelation of Epstein-related documents. His fall from one of the most influential members of the royal family to someone under criminal investigation reflects the scale of the crisis facing the British monarchy.
