Britain’s former Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct during his tenure as a UK trade envoy, as police investigations into allegations arising from the Jeffrey Epstein files intensify.
The arrest, unprecedented in Britain’s modern era, came on Andrew’s 66th birthday and marks a new setback for the ousted royal. He was stripped of all his titles last year and forced to leave his former home by his brother, King Charles III.
“We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police said in a statement. The force did not name the suspect, following standard UK practice.
Several UK media outlets reported seeing a fleet of unmarked cars, believed to be police vehicles, arrive early Thursday at the Sandringham estate, where Andrew currently resides.
New allegations from Epstein files
Recent revelations indicate that Andrew, during his time as a trade envoy, may have shared potentially confidential documents with Epstein, a convicted US sex offender.
In a November 2010 email obtained by AFP, Andrew reportedly sent Epstein reports on Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Singapore following an official visit to Asia. He is also said to have provided details of the trip which included Epstein’s business associates and investment opportunities months later.
Andrew, now formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of his royal titles after one of Epstein’s victims alleged she had been trafficked for sexual encounters with him. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein.
King Charles has expressed “concern” over his brother’s actions and last week issued a statement noting that Buckingham Palace is ready to support police inquiries.
Official guidance stipulates that UK trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive political and commercial information obtained during official visits, according to the BBC. Andrew served as a trade envoy for a decade, from 2001.
Broader investigations
At least nine UK police forces are reviewing reports linking Andrew to Epstein. Surrey Police confirmed they had become “aware” of a redacted report alleging human trafficking and sexual assaults on a minor between 1994 and 1996 in Virginia Water.
“After reviewing our systems using the limited information available to us, we found no evidence of these allegations being previously reported to Surrey Police. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward,” the force said.
Meanwhile, high-profile figures, including former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, have called for police to investigate dozens of flights linked to Epstein over the decades. Writing in New Statesman, Brown said authorities appeared unaware of key details and urged them to review the evidence.
The Metropolitan Police has also launched a separate inquiry into the relationship between former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson and Epstein, highlighting the far-reaching scrutiny surrounding the disgraced financier.
AFP
