In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Britain’s royal establishment, former Prince Andrew was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office tied to his long-scrutinized relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
At least six unmarked police vehicles and roughly eight plainclothes officers descended on Wood Farm at the Sandringham Estate early Thursday morning — the same day Andrew turned 66. Officers were seen entering the property around 8 a.m., with one carrying what appeared to be a police-issued laptop. The convoy departed roughly 30 minutes later.
Authorities also confirmed a search of a separate property in Berkshire, reportedly Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former residence. Due to strict U.K. privacy laws, police did not directly name the king’s brother in their public statement. However, the operation was widely reported by BBC and other major outlets as targeting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed the suspect remains in custody. If charged and convicted, Andrew could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The arrest stems from allegations that Andrew forwarded confidential trade documents to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019. Complaints were reportedly filed earlier this month after Department of Justice-released files allegedly indicated Andrew shared sensitive materials while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. Under the Official Secrets Act, envoys are required to keep such information confidential even after leaving their post.
King Charles III expressed “deepest concern” over the arrest and pledged “full and wholehearted support” for investigators. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” the monarch said. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, echoed their support for that statement.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underscored the gravity of the situation just hours before the arrest, stating that “nobody is above the law” when asked whether Andrew should cooperate with investigators. “Everybody is equal under the law,” Starmer said. “It’s a very important principle of our country.”
Andrew, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and currently eighth in line to the throne, has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. He previously faced allegations from Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked to Andrew as a minor. Andrew denied the claims and was never criminally charged, but he reached a multimillion-pound civil settlement with Giuffre while maintaining his innocence. He later stepped back from royal duties and relinquished military titles amid the fallout.
The arrest also follows renewed scrutiny of Epstein-related documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. British authorities have confirmed they are reviewing materials within that trove. Records show at least 87 flights linked to Epstein traveled to or from U.K. airports between the early 1990s and 2018.
Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, was remembered by her family in a statement reacting to the arrest. “Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” they said, thanking police for their investigation.
For a royal family already battered by scandal, the arrest marks one of the most dramatic chapters yet — with legal consequences that could redefine the legacy of a once-senior member of the monarchy.
