The King has said “the law must take its course” after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 today, was detained at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Thursday, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the monarch expressed “deepest concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. He 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.”
Police launched an investigation into the former prince’s dealings with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein amid claims he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
It came after a new tranche of e-mails were released as part of the so-called Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice.
In a statement, TVP said officers were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. They added that the arrested man remains in police custody.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Read MoreStarmer says ‘no one above the law’ over Andrew-Epstein allegations
Police statement in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
Key points
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
- King says 'law must take its course' after brother's arrest
- Former duke is first senior royal arrested since English Civil War
- Thames Valley Police statement in full
- Pictures show police at Sandringham Estate
- What we know about arrest so far
Virginia Giuffre’s family speaks out as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
12:22 , Dan HaygarthVirginia Giuffre’s family has welcomed news of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying, “He was never a prince.”
While the arrest was not in connection with sexual abuse allegations against Andrew, the family of Giuffre, who was among his accusers, has issued a statement.
"At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty," Giuffre's siblings said in a statement shared with CBS News.
"On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK's Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you."
Virginia Giuffre’s family speaks out as Andrew arrested in the UK
King and Buckingham Palace not informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
12:18 , Dan HaygarthIt is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 today, was detained at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Thursday, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
He 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.”
King Charles' statement in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
12:06 , Daniel HaygarthThe King said in a written statement: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“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.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.
“Charles R.”
Breaking: King says 'law must take its course' after brother's arrest
12:04 , Tom BarnesThe King has said “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police commentator reveals how long Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be held by police
12:00 , Dan HaygarthQueen arrives for public engagement hours after police confirmed Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested
11:52 , Dan HaygarthThe Queen has arrived for an engagement in Westminster just hours after police confirmed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Wearing a velvet, navy coat, Camilla was greeted by representatives of Sinfonia Smith Square where she will attend a lunchtime orchestral concert.
WATCH: Vehicles arrive at Sandringham as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
11:47 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor is first senior royal to be arrested since English Civil War
11:38 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
You would have to go back to the English Civil War for the last arrest, when Charles I was detained by forces aligned with parliament in 1647.
In November 2002, Princess Anne became the first member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence, but she was not arrested in the process.
She pleaded guilty to one charge of having a dog dangerously out of control and was fined £500.
In 2019, Norfolk Police spoke to Prince Philip after he was pictured driving without a seat belt.
It came two days after the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a crash near Sandringham in which a woman broke her wrist. However, he was not arrested.
Campaign group Republic welcomes news of arrest
11:26 , Dan HaygarthAnti-monarchy group Republic said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was “likely influenced by Republic's pursuit of a private prosecution”, adding that its chief executive Graham Smith sent a crime report to Thames Valley Police.
Mr Smith said: "Make no mistake, this is a result of Republic's action.
"We reported Andrew to the police when others were unwilling to act. Republic has been instigating a private prosecution when the police were reluctant to investigate."
"Republic's lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months."
He added: "The police must follow all evidence wherever it leads."
King and Queen both set to appear in public later today
11:19 , Dan HaygarthKing Charles and Queen Camilla are both due to make public appearances at separate engagements in London later today.
It is unclear whether the news of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest will change these plans.
How long Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be held by police for?
11:11 , Dan HaygarthPolicing commentator Danny Shaw has spoken on BBC Radio 5 Live about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mr Shaw said the maximum time Mr Mountbatten-Windsor could be held for is 96 hours, though this would require multiple extensions from police and a magistrates’ court.
He told the radio station that the former prince will be held in "a cell in a custody suite" with just "a bed and a toilet", awaiting his police interview.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Arrest comes hours after PM urged Andrew to testify about Epstein links
11:07 , Dan HaygarthPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Just hours before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, Sir Keir Starmer piled further pressure onto the former prince to testify about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the Sir Keir insisted that “nobody is above the law”, and said: “Anybody who has any information should testify.
“So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.
“Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on his birthday
11:02 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on the day that he turns 66 years old.
Arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would support the police if approached
11:00 , Dan HaygarthMr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims made against him.
A spokesman for the palace added that the King had made clear his “profound concern” over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged conduct.
What is misconduct in public office?
10:47 , Dan HaygarthThe Crown Prosecution Service defines misconduct in public office as: “Serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.
It says for an offence to be committed: “There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities.
In its prosecution guidance, it adds: “There is no simple definition of a public officer, and each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the role, the duties carried out and the level of public trust involved.”
It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
MP urges Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to fully co-operate with police
10:39 , Dan HaygarthAn MP has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with police following his arrest this morning.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins told The Independent:”It is important in any society that seeks to uphold the rule of law that no one is above the law. Epstein’s crimes were grave and his victims deserve justice.
“Without assuming the outcome, and respecting the process, it is important that everyone fully cooperates with the police on this matter regardless of their status.”
What we know so far as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
10:35 , Dan HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody. Here is what we know about his arrest so far:
- Thames Valley Police said it made the arrest on Thursday, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, following allegations made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
- Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- Pictures show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s home.
- Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
- Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, the force said.
- Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has routinely denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections to Epstein.
Pictures show police at Sandringham Estate on Thursday morning
10:28 , Dan Haygarth Police said officers carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk
10:24 , Dan HaygarthThames 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.
“The man remains in police custody at this time.”
Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
10:20 , Dan HaygarthThames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
He has routinely denied any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Thames Valley Police statement in full
10:10 , Dan HaygarthThe force 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.
“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 said: “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.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police says
10:09 , Daniel HaygarthAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police has said.
BREAKING: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested, according to BBC
10:06 , Dan HaygarthThe BBC has reported that it understands Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.