Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested: In a historic first for the British Royal Family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest took place on the former prince’s 66th birthday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties is currently in custody as they investigate claims that he shared confidential trade reports with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.
A life under scrutiny: From ‘Randy Andy’ to royal outcast
The arrest comes after decades of headlines that went from youthful mistakes to serious criminal claims. Below is a timeline of the controversies leading to today’s police action.
Misconduct in public office: The current probe
The focus of the Thames Valley Police investigation centers on emails from November 2010.
Confidential briefs: Emails seem to show Andrew forwarding official trade reports on Southeast Asia to Epstein just minutes after receiving them.
Afghan investment: On Christmas Eve 2010, the former prince allegedly shared a confidential brief on investment opportunities in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The penalty: In the UK, misconduct in public office is a common law offense that could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Reaction from Buckingham Palace
While the Palace has not released a statement today, it previously indicated that it “stands ready to support” the police. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke about the situation on Thursday morning, telling BBC Breakfast, “Nobody is above the law.”
