King Charles III stated on Thursday that “the law must take its course” following the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King emphasised that the matter would be investigated fairly and properly by the appropriate authorities, adding that his family would continue in their duty and service to the public. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter,” he said.
The arrest was confirmed by Thames Valley Police, which said officers conducted early morning searches at two addresses linked to Andrew. “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time,” the police said, in line with UK guidance not to name the individual. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added that a formal investigation had been opened and that the integrity and objectivity of the inquiry would be protected. Norfolk Police is also supporting the investigation.
The arrest coincided with Andrew’s 66th birthday and follows longstanding scrutiny over his alleged ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said the investigation includes claims that Andrew, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, shared confidential government reports with Epstein in 2010 and 2011, relating to trips to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Additional allegations relate to visits to the Royal Lodge in Windsor and other interactions documented in correspondence released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He previously faced civil legal actions from Epstein’s accusers and was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed that “nobody is above the law,” urging anyone with relevant information to testify.
Buckingham Palace reiterated that the King supports the police as investigations proceed, while the specifics of the allegations remain matters for Andrew to address.
