Britain’s former royal, Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as UK authorities intensify investigations connected to files linked to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Thames Valley Police, a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on February 19 in connection with alleged misconduct during his time as a UK trade envoy. As is standard practice in Britain, police did not name the suspect. However, multiple UK media outlets reported that officers were seen at the Sandringham Estate, where Andrew resides.
The investigation reportedly focuses on Andrew’s decade-long role as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Newly surfaced emails from 2010 appear to show he shared reports from official visits to parts of Asia, including Vietnam and Hong Kong, with Epstein. There are also claims he discussed investment opportunities and travel details involving Epstein’s associates.
Official UK guidelines require trade envoys to protect confidential commercial and political information obtained during official duties. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein.
The arrest marks another major blow for the former prince, who was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022. He now uses the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. His brother, King Charles III, has expressed concern in the past, with Buckingham Palace stating it would cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
The case has sparked wider scrutiny across the UK. Several police forces are reviewing materials connected to Epstein. Surrey Police confirmed it is assessing a report alleging historical offences in the 1990s, though it said no prior complaints were found in its records.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has opened a separate review into links between Epstein and other British public figures.
The renewed investigations follow the latest release of documents from US authorities related to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
As inquiries continue, the arrest represents one of the most dramatic developments yet in the long-running controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s ties to Epstein.
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