Former Prince Andrew Arrested by UK Police in Epstein-Linked Misconduct Investigation
In a dramatic development, UK police on Thursday arrested former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest follows the resurfacing of newly released documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which include photographs and fresh email exchanges involving the British royal and Epstein.
Arrest Details and Police Statement
The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday, marking a significant escalation in the long-running scrutiny over his past association with the late convicted sex offender. Thames Valley Police, covering areas west of London including his former residence, confirmed that a man in his 60s had been arrested, in keeping with UK law that avoids naming suspects initially. The force stated it was assessing reports that Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade reports to Epstein in 2010.
Images circulating online showed unmarked police vehicles at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers outside the property. In a statement, the police 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."
Revelations from Recent Epstein Documents
The arrest comes after the release of millions of pages of documents gathered during a US investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Several emails released by the US Justice Department and cited in media reports indicate correspondence between Epstein and Andrew’s aide, David Stern. These messages suggest the former royal may have shared confidential reports and investment opportunities while serving as the UK's special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to 2011.
In a November 2010 email seen by AFP, Andrew appeared to share reports on Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Singapore after an official visit to Asia. Other messages hinted at him providing details of investment opportunities following the trip.
Allegations of Meetings and Photographs
Emails dated August 2010 show Epstein writing to Andrew, addressing him as "The Duke," and suggesting he had "a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with." Epstein described the woman as 26, Russian, "clever and beautiful," and noted she already had the prince’s email address. Subsequent exchanges referred to a possible dinner at Buckingham Palace, though it is unclear if any such meeting took place.
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police are investigating allegations that a woman was brought to the UK in 2010 for a meeting with Andrew at Royal Lodge in Windsor, his former residence. The woman, who is not British, was reportedly in her twenties at the time.
Earlier records released by the US DOJ included photographs showing Britain’s former Prince Andrew kneeling over a woman lying on the ground. In two images, he appears to touch the unidentified, fully clothed woman on her stomach, while another shows him looking directly at the camera.
Broader Investigations and Denials
At least nine UK police forces have confirmed they are reviewing material that appears to link the former prince to Epstein. Surrey Police said they had become "aware" of a redacted report alleging "human trafficking and sexual assaults on a minor" between 1994 and 1996 in Virginia Water, southeastern England.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has expressed regret over the friendship. He has also denied allegations of sexual abuse made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked to have sex with him on three occasions, including twice when she was 17. In 2022, Andrew reached a multi-million-pound settlement with Giuffre without admitting liability. Giuffre, a dual US and Australian citizen, died by suicide in Australia in April.
The latest arrest underscores the ongoing legal and public scrutiny of Andrew's relationship with Epstein, highlighting potential consequences that continue to unfold.
