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He is being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office Thames Valley Police confirmed searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Police officers arrived at the residence where he has been staying on the Sandringham Estate estate in Norfolk on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 19, his 66th birthday. Images showed vehicles entering the grounds earlier in the day.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said they had arrested “a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office” and were conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The individual remains in custody. Authorities did not formally name him.
The development follows confirmation earlier this month that police were assessing a complaint concerning allegations that Andrew shared
confidential material while serving as the U.K.’s special representative for international trade and investment. The claims relate to contact with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. He has not publicly responded to the latest allegations tied to the release of newly unsealed files in January.
Shortly after news of the arrest broke, King Charles III issued a statement expressing “the deepest concern” and emphasizing that “the law must take its course.” Buckingham Palace was not informed in advance of the arrest, according to the BBC. The King added that the appropriate authorities would have the family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
Search activity was also reported at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where Andrew had lived until recently.
The investigation centers on whether confidential documents connected to his former trade envoy role were improperly shared. Trade envoys are bound by strict duties of discretion, even after leaving office.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the matter is now a police investigation and stressed that “nobody in this country is above the law.”
As proceedings unfold, officials say the case will follow the standard legal process.
