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LAST UPDATE | 35 mins ago
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police have said.
The former British prince and younger brother of King Charles was reportedly arrested at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk this morning.
Pictures circulating online this morning appeared to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm in Norfolk today, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside the property.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Today is Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday.
In a statement released around 10am Thames Valley Police said they arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In keeping with the usual approach when people are arrested for questioning, they did not name him.
They are also carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The man remains in police custody at this time, police said.
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.”
King Charles has said “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother.
The King said in a written statement released at midday: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“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 this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Before the arrest this morning, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that no one is above the law and that Mountbatten-Windsor should speak to the authorities about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
“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,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“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.
“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,” Starmer said.
Sean Coughlan, a royal correspondent for the BBC said it is “another extraordinary development in what has been an extraordinary story”.
Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.
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