Buckingham Palace has said it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims made against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday today (February 19) after unmarked police cars were seen at his temporary home on Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
The arrest comes after Buckingham Palace said it would “support” the police if approached over the claims made against him earlier this month.
A spokesman for the Palace added that the King had made clear his “profound concern” over Andrew’s alleged conduct.
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(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
On February 9, a Palace spokesman said: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.”
The King’s brother is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
He does, however, remain in the line of succession – he is eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down after being born second in line.
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.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.
Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, the force said.
(Image: Getty)
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.”
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.”
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