British police arrest ex-Prince Andrew over Epstein ties

British police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on charges of misconduct in public office.

The arrest was linked to allegations that he shared confidential government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy.

Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on his 66th birthday at the British royal family’s Sandringham estate, where he recently moved from his longtime home in Windsor. It was the first arrest of a senior member of the British royal family in modern history.

King Charles released a statement on Thursday saying he had learned “with the deepest concern” the news about his younger brother’s arrest.

“What now follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation,” he said. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

British police did not identify Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor directly in a statement about the arrest, but several of the details match confirmed information about the case, including the locations of the homes that are being searched.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of the Thames Valley Police said in a statement. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

The arrest comes after years of pressure on Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor over his friendship with the disgraced financier. The scandal is centered on the accusations of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of trafficking her to the former prince and his other powerful friends when she was 17.

Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied having sex with Giuffre, who committed suicide in April, but reached a legal settlement with her for an undisclosed amount in 2022.