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 British trade envoy.

Although the investigation has been deeply intertwined with his relationship with the disgraced financier, the legal basis for the arrest is distinct from the sexual abuse allegations that have dogged Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor for years.

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. He was later released from custody while the investigation continues, British police said.

King Charles released a statement 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.”

Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested after years of pressure over his friendship with Mr. Epstein, whose August 2019 death while in police custody was ruled a suicide by hanging. The sex scandal involving Epstein and his wide-ranging circle of rich and powerful friends centers on the accusations of Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of trafficking her to the former prince and others 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. The lawsuit prompted Queen Elizabeth to begin distancing the monarchy from her son. That year, he was stripped of his honorary military affiliations and patronages and denied the right to use the title “His Royal Highness” in any capacity. In October, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had begun the legal process of removing all of his brother’s titles and honors.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy told the BBC that no one is above the law, regardless of status.

“This is now a police investigation, and that must happen in the usual way,” he said.

Traveling on Air Force One, President Trump called the arrest of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor “a shame.”

“I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the royal family,” he said, according to the New York Post. “It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a sad thing.”

Maria Farmer, one of the first victims to report Mr. Epstein to authorities, called the arrest “the beginning of accountability and justice” for women such as Giuffre, whom she described as a “young mother who adored her daughter.”

“She fought the most powerful men on earth to protect her,” Ms. Farmer said in a statement. “She did this for everyone’s daughters. Let’s now demand all the dominoes of power and corruption begin to fall.”

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

Historians are pointing to King Charles I in 1647 as the last senior royal to be taken into custody on a criminal charge. He was captured by parliamentary forces during the English Civil War and later tried for treason and executed.

Michael Ellis, who served as attorney general for England and Wales in 2021 and 2022, is now a prominent commentator on the British monarchy and its legal system. He said Queen Elizabeth I ordered the house arrest of her cousin, Queen Mary, in 1586. Mary was executed the following year after being found guilty of high treason for her alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth.

“There are few countries in the modern world where this would happen today. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor must be treated equally,” Mr. Ellis said. “He is very clearly not being given any special treatment. Far from it.”

The arrest has sent shock waves through the British political establishment. A senior Labor Party official, speaking to The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity, said Queen Elizabeth II “never put a foot in the wrong place” during her more than 70 years on the throne.

“Now her favorite son is being investigated as part of the biggest political scandal of this century,” said the official. “Even those who suspected wrongdoing did not anticipate its full extent. Whatever happens down the road, whether he is convicted or not, it is a profound shock.”

Former British politician Edwina Currie served in Parliament for 14 years, including as a junior minister under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She said it will be up to the police and courts to bring forward any evidence of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged wrongdoing. She noted that King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, are much admired throughout Britain.

“They’ve earned it, [and] I think our sympathies are with them right now,” Ms. Currie said. “We don’t forget the victims of abuse and trafficking either, but today’s arrest is on a different matter.”

King Charles said it wouldn’t be right to offer further comment on the ongoing investigation.

“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all,” he said.

• The Washington Times’ Joseph Hammond contributed to this report from London.