Arrest and Police Activity
Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy, police confirmed. Searches were also conducted at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. While authorities did not initially name him, they stated a man in his sixties remains in custody as investigations continue. Andrew turned 66 on the day of his arrest.
Unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has been residing since leaving Windsor. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation amid widespread public attention.
Links to Jeffrey Epstein and Controversial Deals
Recent reporting suggests Andrew may have shared sensitive documents with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as trade envoy. According to the Financial Times, emails show he agreed to assist in negotiating an $8 billion oil-for-cash swap involving foreign entities. These communications reportedly began while Epstein was under house arrest for a 2008 sex offense conviction.
Royal expert Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London described the case as one of the most dramatic falls from grace for a royal in modern history. Police commentator Danny Shaw explained that suspects are normally held for 12 to 24 hours, with a maximum detention of 96 hours if extended by senior officers and a magistrate. Andrew is reportedly being held under standard custody conditions, without any special privileges.
Royal Family Response and Past Controversies
Thames Valley Police had previously confirmed it was assessing allegations against Andrew, prompting King Charles III to express concern and pledge support for the investigation from Buckingham Palace.
In October, Charles removed Andrew’s royal titles and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, following years of scrutiny over his connections to Epstein. Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 after a widely criticized interview regarding his friendship with Epstein.
Andrew has not been criminally charged in connection with Epstein and has consistently denied wrongdoing. In 2022, he settled a civil case with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse at age 17. The settlement did not involve an admission of guilt, though Andrew acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre later died by suicide in April at 41, with her memoir Nobody’s Girl published posthumously in October.
