February 19, (THEWILL) — UK authorities have detained Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a former member of the British royal family, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to UK media reports.
Thames Valley Police confirmed on Thursday that a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on Wednesday, February 19, as part of an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the police said searches were being conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“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. The man remains in police custody at this time,” the statement said.
The police declined to name the suspect in line with national guidance, stressing that the case is active and urging caution in reporting to avoid contempt of court.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the decision to open a formal investigation followed a detailed assessment of the allegations.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence,” he said, adding that updates would be provided when appropriate due to the high level of public interest.
Mountbatten-Windsor, a former British prince who lost his royal titles last year following controversy surrounding his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the former royal should cooperate fully with the United States authorities in their own investigations.
“No one is above the law,” Starmer said.
The probe follows the release by US authorities of more than three million pages of documents linked to Epstein.
Some of the material suggests that Mountbatten-Windsor, while serving as a UK trade envoy in 2010, shared reports on countries including Vietnam and Singapore with Epstein.
One confidential memo reportedly shows that he sought Epstein’s views on possible investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Once regarded as a prominent figure within the British establishment and a holder of several high-profile roles, Mountbatten-Windsor’s standing has sharply declined amid mounting scrutiny over his past associations.
The arrest also comes days after the royal family said it would cooperate fully with police in any investigation relating to Mountbatten-Windsor, as authorities continue to examine the allegations surrounding his conduct in public office.
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