The UK police said that it has arrested former prince Andrew — born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — on suspicion of misconduct in public office, deepening scrutiny over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and raising fresh questions about his controversial global connections.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties was taken into custody in Norfolk, with searches carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. While police did not name the suspect in line with national guidance, the arrest follows mounting allegations linked to Andrew's time as the UK's trade envoy and his long-criticised association with Epstein.
Confidential Briefings, Investment Tips And A Convicted Sex Offender
Newly released US court documents suggest Andrew may have shared confidential information from official trade visits with Epstein in 2010 and 2011 — after Epstein had already been convicted of sex offences.
Emails reportedly show Andrew forwarding sensitive briefings on trips to Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Shenzhen, and even a confidential note about UK-backed reconstruction opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Under official guidance, trade envoys are bound by strict confidentiality rules, with obligations extending beyond their term in office.
Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. Being named in court files, his representatives have maintained, is not evidence of misconduct.
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Sexual Abuse Allegations
Andrew's reputation was first severely damaged by allegations from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent accusers. In 2021, she filed a civil lawsuit in the US alleging that she was trafficked to Andrew when she was 17.
Andrew denied the claims and reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 without admitting liability. He stepped back from public royal duties in 2019 after a widely criticised BBC Newsnight interview and was later stripped of his military titles and royal patronages.
Now, a second woman has alleged she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010 at Royal Lodge in Windsor. Her US-based lawyer claims she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace following the alleged encounter. Andrew denies all allegations.
From Royal Envoy To Diplomatic Liability?
Beyond Epstein, Andrew's international dealings have also come under scrutiny over alleged ties to Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who was later barred from the UK on national security grounds.
Previously sealed court documents revealed that Andrew maintained what aides described as a “communication channel” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including annual birthday messages, while pursuing business initiatives such as Pitch@Palace in China.
UK authorities alleged Yang had developed an “unusual degree of trust” with Andrew and could have leveraged those relationships for influence operations linked to Beijing's United Front Work Department. Yang has denied all wrongdoing and is appealing the decision banning him from the UK.
'Nobody Is Above the Law'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the principle that “nobody is above the law” must apply in this case as in any other, underscoring the constitutional sensitivity of a senior royal facing criminal investigation.
The arrest marks the most serious legal jeopardy Andrew has faced. Once the UK's special representative for international trade and investment and a prominent global envoy, he has in recent years become estranged from royal life amid cascading controversies — from sexual abuse claims to questionable international alliances.
As police investigations continue, the case threatens to reopen wounds for the British monarchy and test public trust in one of its most controversial figures.
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