FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Prince Andrew leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation ceremony of Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla, in London, Britain, May 6, 2023.
Toby Melville | Reuters
British police arrested King Charles III’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with the monarch expressing his “deepest concern” over the latest developments.
British police were seen arriving at Andrew’s residence in Sandringham, England, on Thursday morning, according to earlier reports from the BBC and Daily Telegraph.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement that they had arrested an unnamed man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“After a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” said Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright. the police statement.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense,” he said, adding: “We understand the significant public interest in this matter, and we will provide updates in a timely manner.”
King Charles reactsBuckingham Palace initially refused to comment on the matter, but the king issued a statement soon after.
“I have learned with deep concern the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicions of misconduct in public office,” the king said in a statement sent to CNBC from Buckingham Palace.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this matter will be investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” he added.
The police, Charles said, had the “full support and cooperation” of the royal family.
“Let me say this clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter,” he said.
Men get out of an unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 19, 2026 in Sandringham, Norfolk. Andrew Mounbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following a police investigation into the recently released Epstein files. The former prince continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Peter Nicholls | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
Former princeAndrew, the king’s younger brother and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, had faced scrutiny over his relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
He has denied any wrongdoing, but the public outcry over his association with the disgraced financier has had far-reaching consequences. The former prince was stripped of his royal titles, including “His Royal Highness” and “Prince”, and is no longer a working royal.
Andrew was also forced to move from his Windsor mansion, the Royal Lodge, to a smaller residence on Charles’ estate at Sandringham. The king has cut Andrew’s annual personal allowance and security funding, but is covering the cost of his new accommodation.
A general view of the entrance to Wood Farm, the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 19, 2026 in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Peter Nicholls | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
David Lammy, Britain’s deputy prime minister and foreign secretary, told CNBC on Thursday that the arrest showed “no one is above the law.”
“This is now a police investigation and it has to take its course,” he told CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal at the AI Impact Summit in India.
Police have not released any details or specifics about the allegations being investigated or what prompted the arrest.
British police can detain suspects for 24 hours without charge, but this can be extended to 36 or 96 hours with special permission.
— CNBC’s Kai Nicol-Schwarz and Arjun Kharpal contributed to this report.