Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been detained on allegations of misconduct in public office.
His arrest follows charges tied to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Thames Valley police confirmed Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday, as he turned 66.
According to the BBC, Mountbatten-Windsor is still in detention as officers search his Berkshire and Norfolk homes.
The investigation stems from allegations that the former Duke of York, who was stripped of his royal titles in 2022, shared classified information during his tenure as a UK trade ambassador with Epstein.
There are also allegations that Epstein sent a second woman to the UK to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mountbatten-Windsor has continuously and vehemently denied any misconduct relating to Epstein or other allegations.
Last year, King Charles III legally deprived his younger brother, Mountbatten-Windsor, of his “prince” title and ordered him to leave his Windsor home.
Meanwhile, unmarked police vehicles were seen arriving at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk earlier today, with photos showing policemen approaching the property.
This is a huge escalation in the years-long investigation that began with Epstein’s death in 2019 and Andrew’s contentious BBC interview.
Oliver Wright, assistant chief constable of Thames Valley police, stated that the force is conducting an in-depth investigation and is committed to safeguarding its integrity in the face of increasing public interest.
Meanwhile, police did not publicly identify the suspect, and officials warned against any publication that could result in contempt of court.
“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,” police said.
“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.”
