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In a stunning development that rippled through Britain’s political and royal circles, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public life, according to multiple U.K. media reports.

The Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested news was first reported by the BBC, and later confirmed by the U.K.’s king in a public statement. The arrest marks an unprecedented chapter in modern royal history.

Police Confirm Arrest, Conduct Property Searches

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said officers arrested a man in his sixties and were carrying out searches at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire. Authorities did not identify the suspect by name, but said an investigation had been opened.

Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, recently relocated to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The The Daily Telegraph reported that six unmarked police vehicles and about eight plainclothes officers were seen arriving at Wood Farm on the estate.

The arrest coincided with his 66th birthday.

Police have not released specific details of the allegations under investigation. Officials have said the probe is not connected to alleged sex offenses.

Epstein Links Continue to Cast a Long Shadow

Mountbatten-Windsor has faced years of scrutiny over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and expressed regret over the friendship.

Earlier this month, British police confirmed they were reviewing allegations that King Charles’ younger brother may have passed confidential government information to Epstein, based on files recently released by the U.S. Justice Department. It remains unclear whether any such information was shared directly with Epstein or with other business associates.

Previous reporting by the BBC and others suggested Mountbatten-Windsor may have disclosed confidential government reports tied to investments in Afghanistan and the U.K.’s Treasury department.

A photograph included in materials released by the Justice Department in connection with the U.S. investigation of Epstein shows Mountbatten-Windsor on all fours over an unidentified woman. The context of the image has not been detailed in court filings tied to the current investigation.

Last year, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles over his connections to Epstein.

Settlement With Accuser and Calls to Testify

Mountbatten-Windsor previously reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged in her posthumous memoir that she was a victim of Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. He denied any wrongdoing and did not admit liability as part of the agreement.

Some U.S. lawmakers and members of Giuffre’s family have called on him to testify in the United States regarding his connections to Epstein. He has not responded to requests for comment following the publication of the latest Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department.

Separate Investigation Into Former Ambassador

The investigation’s reach extends beyond the former prince. British authorities have also opened a probe into Peter Mandelson, the U.K.’s former ambassador to the United States, over alleged misconduct in public office tied to Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police is examining whether Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2008 under Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mandelson is also under investigation on allegations of misconduct in public office.

Historic Arrest in Modern Royal Era

O’Bryan Grandison, a professor of policing at Birmingham City University, said in emailed remarks that Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior royal to be arrested in modern British history.

King Charles publicly addressed the development, expressing concern and pledging cooperation.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the monarch said. “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.”

As investigators press forward, the arrest of a once-senior royal sends shockwaves through an institution built on tradition — a reminder that even centuries-old crowns are not immune from the weight of modern scrutiny.