Prince Andrew arrested after fresh complaints triggered by newly released Epstein files

LONDON: Prince Andrew, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he passed confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, police said.

Detectives from Thames Valley Police detained the 66-year-old royal, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, after opening an investigation into claims he shared sensitive material with Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has always denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and previously said he regretted their friendship. He has not responded to requests for comment since the latest release of related documents by US authorities.

In a statement, King Charles said he had learned of the arrest “with the deepest concern” and pledged the royal family’s cooperation with investigators. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” he said, adding that it would not be appropriate to comment further while the process continued.

British media reported that officers arrived in unmarked vehicles at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where Andrew now lives. Police also confirmed searches at a property on the Windsor Estate, his former residence before he stepped back from public life.

Authorities emphasised that arrest on suspicion does not imply guilt. Misconduct in public office is a serious common-law offence that can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if proven in a Crown Court.

The inquiry follows a complaint by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic after millions of pages of Epstein-related files were released. Documents reportedly suggested Andrew forwarded reports from official trips in 2010 concerning countries including Vietnam and Singapore.

Buckingham Palace has previously said it would support any police investigation, stating that the king had expressed “profound concern” at allegations regarding Andrew’s conduct and that the royal family’s sympathies remained with victims of abuse.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has also called for a wider investigation into how Epstein allegedly transported women through Stansted Airport without adequate scrutiny, an issue Essex Police say they are examining.

If charged, Andrew would become one of the few senior British royals formally accused of serious criminal offences. The investigation remains ongoing.