LONDON (MNN); King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that he sent confidential government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was taken into custody and questioned by Thames Valley Police. Earlier this month, police had confirmed they were investigating claims that he passed official documents to Epstein while serving as the UK government’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.
The arrest of the eighth-in-line to the throne is unprecedented in modern British royal history. King Charles III issued a statement expressing concern over the news, while affirming his family’s full support for the authorities. He said, “The law must take its course … Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and expressed regret over their friendship. He has not commented publicly since the release of more than three million pages of U.S. government documents relating to Epstein, which suggested that in 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded reports on Vietnam, Singapore, and other official visits to Epstein.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The arrest marks another low point for the former prince, who resigned from all royal duties in 2019 over his ties to Epstein and was stripped of his titles and honours by King Charles in October 2025. While in custody, police conducted searches at his Sandringham estate residence and the Windsor estate mansion he previously occupied.
A conviction for misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and must be tried in a Crown Court. Experts have noted that this offence, defined under common law, involves particular legal complexities.
The investigation is separate from any sexual misconduct allegations. In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abuse as a teenager. Giuffre’s family welcomed the police action, saying, “No one is above the law, not even royalty.”
Other potential allegations include claims that Mountbatten-Windsor was involved in trafficking a woman to Britain in 2010. U.S. lawmakers have also requested his testimony regarding Epstein. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged a police investigation into trafficking through London’s Stansted Airport that may have been overlooked in previous inquiries.
