Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest: Here's everything we know so far - including what the King has said
It’s thought to be the first time a member of the royal family has been arrested by police in modern history.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has spent much of his 66th birthday in custody after being arrested at around 8am this morning (Thursday, February 19).
The unprecedented scenes saw the former Prince’s current home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, as well as his previous residence at the Royal Lodge in Great Windsor Park, searched by police.
It’s the latest fallout from the King’s brother’s dealings with financier and convicted child sex ofender Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Here’s everything we know so far.
What has Andrew Mountbatten Windsor been arrested for?
It is understood that the former Prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
What is the crime of misconduct in public office?
Misconduct in public office is when a person who is carrying out a job on behalf of the British public does something wrong in the knowledge that they knew it to be wrong.
Four factors must be proven, namely:
- That the person they’re investigating was a ‘public officer’ and the incident was part of those duties.
- That the incident saw the suspect wilfully’ neglect to perform their duty or wilfully misconducting themselves in some other way.
- That the action was severe enough to be “an abuse of the public's trust”.
- That the person under acted “without reasonable excuse or justification”.
Follow our live blog: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested: King Charles says ‘law must take its course’ - live updates
What has the King said about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
In response to the arrest King Charles released the following 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.”
What have the police said about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
In a 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. 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 have the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
The CPS said: “We are in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police regarding high-profile individuals.
“We remain ready to support any police investigations if needed.”
What was revealed about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein in the latest release of files?
Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Andrew five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel.
Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Andrew has not directly responded to the latest allegations regarding the most recently-released files.
What happens now?
The police are understood to currently be undertaking searches of Andrew’s current and previous residences at as part of efforts to gather evidence.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently under arrest and in custody. He can be held for a maximum of 96 hours, but it is likely that he will be released later today on bail pending further investigation. He may be required to return for further questioning at a later date.
Once the police have gathered evidence the CPS and Thames Valley Police will make the decision about whether to charge him with misconduct in public office.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to the revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and there is currently no indication that he is guilty of any offence.
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