King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, arrested on suspicion of “misconduct in public office” (improper conduct in the exercise of a public office)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of abuse of public office, according to information confirmed by British police. Vehicles believed to be law enforcement were seen arriving at the Sandringham royal estate in Norfolk, where the former prince was temporarily living, on Thursday morning.
The former prince has consistently and firmly denied any wrongdoing.
The reason for the arrest
The arrest was made by Thames Valley Police as part of an investigation into the alleged exchange of confidential material with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who has since died.
Police said they were investigating a complaint related to the alleged passing of confidential information, but the exact details of the allegations were not made public.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said it was essential to protect the integrity and objectivity of the investigation given the significant public interest in the case. Authorities said they would provide updates at the appropriate time.
It is the first time that the former prince, who over time has been associated with multiple allegations regarding his ties to Epstein, has been arrested.
Where he is currently
Police have confirmed that King Charles’ brother is in custody, but the exact location has not been revealed.
According to police analyst Danny Shaw, the maximum time the former prince can be detained is 96 hours. Such duration, however, requires successive approvals from superior officers and a court.
In most cases, suspects are held for 12 or 24 hours, after which they are either charged or released pending further investigation.
During detention, suspects are kept in a cell in a detention center, equipped only with a bed and a toilet, where they await questioning.
Danny Shaw stressed that there would be no preferential treatment in this case.
Ongoing searches
Thames Valley Police announced that in addition to the arrest, they were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Unmarked police vehicles were seen in Sandringham before the arrest. For the past few weeks, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been living there temporarily while his permanent residence, Marsh Farm, is being renovated.
Uniformed officers were also spotted near the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where he lived until recently. According to available information, searches are underway there and the area is guarded by the police.
Former Metropolitan Police Superintendent Dal Babu explained that the arrest allows authorities to access computer equipment, files, photographs and other potential evidence, as well as search any property owned or controlled by the suspect.
What does “misconduct in public office” mean?
The offense of “misconduct in public office” is complex and requires the demonstration of several elements.
Essentially, it is the allegation that a person holding a public office willfully committed a serious act, knowing it to be illegal.
The police must first determine whether the person being investigated was a “public servant” and whether the incident is related to the duties of that office. Subsequently, investigators must show that the suspect willfully neglected his duties or acted abusively.
Another essential element is whether the action constitutes a breach of public trust. Finally, it must be shown that the act was committed without reasonable justification.
The person under investigation has the right to present his point of view, and this process begins with the police questioning.
King Charles’ reaction
The king said that “the law must take its course”.
In an official statement, he said he learned “with the deepest concern” of his brother’s arrest and that the trial that follows must be full, fair and carried out by the competent authorities.
He added that the royal family would cooperate fully and would not comment further on the case during the investigation.
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