Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested for misconduct after police rush to his house
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police have confirmed.
Police arrived at Andrew’s home this morning as he celebrated his 66th birthday. Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, Thames Valley Police said. The arrest means former Duke of York is the first family member of the Royal Family to be arrested.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
At least six unmarked police cars were been seen driving into Wood Farm in Sandringham at around 8am today (February 19). Eight men, who are believed to be plain-clothed officers, have been seen going into property with what appears to be laptops.
(Image: Bav Media)
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: ” As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) 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.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.
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Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Andrew has only been living at Wood Farm for the last few weeks while work on his new home at Marsh Farm, which is currently being renovated. Increasing pressure has come on Andrew after the release of more Epstein files with calls for him to come forward and share information.
It comes as Andrew has been told he should speak to the authorities in the UK and US about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal by Sir Keir Starmer.
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Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the Prime Minister said: “Anybody who has any information should testify. So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.
“Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
(Image: Bav Media)
Sir Keir added: “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law, and nobody is above the law, and it is really important that is applied across the board.
“That is the principle. It’s a long-standing principle, it’s a very important principle of our country, our society, and it applies, and it has to apply in this case, in the same way as it would apply in any other case.”
Norfolk Constabulary has been contacted for comment.
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