Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, police confirmed on Thursday, in a development that has attracted global attention.
Thames Valley Police said the 66-year-old was taken into custody at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk earlier in the day. Photographs showed unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothes officers arriving at the property, Wood Farm, shortly after dawn.
According to the police force, the arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations that the Duke of York may have disclosed sensitive government information during his tenure as a UK trade envoy and potentially engaged in conduct amounting to misconduct in public office.
The prince, who previously held a public diplomatic role, has faced longstanding scrutiny over his past associations, particularly his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents, widely referred to as the “Epstein files,” have intensified questions over whether confidential government material may have been shared or whether any improper actions occurred during his official duties.
The arrest forms part of broader inquiries by multiple UK police forces into matters connected to Epstein and other allegations of misconduct. Authorities have not publicly outlined specific charges, and investigations remain ongoing.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein in previous statements and has not commented on the latest developments.
