Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and brother to King Charles III, was arrested in the U.K. and later released after several hours in custody.

The BBC reported on Thursday that a man in his 60s from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the Thames Valley Police. Authorities carried out searches at two addresses, with unmarked police cars spotted at the royal family‘s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk early in the morning. Andrew was released that same evening, though police are continuing to search his previous Windsor home, Royal Lodge, on Friday.

The former Duke of York, who turned 66 on Thursday, Feb. 19, has for some years been under public scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Press were made aware that the police were looking into allegations of misconduct in public office against Andrew, specifically regarding the alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein, as well as claims that a second woman was sent to the U.K. by Epstein for a “sexual encounter” with the royal.

Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, including allegations from a woman named Virginia Giuffre that she had been trafficked by Epstein to Andrew. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

The King, who was reportedly not informed in advance of the arrest, said in a statement after the news broke that “the law must take its course.”

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” wrote Charles. “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 co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

“Meanwhile,” he added, “my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.” The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.

It was business as usual for Charles, who was seen attending an opening event for London Fashion Week on Thursday afternoon. The monarch did not respond to questions from reporters on arrival and departure.

Police initially said via a statement: “We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Assistant chief constable Oliver Wright added: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.”

“We understand the significant public interest in this case,” Wright also said, “and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Misconduct of public office applies where a public officer wilfully neglects to perform their duty or wilfully misconducts themselves to such a degree that it amounts to an abuse of the public’s trust.

Simarjor Judge Singh, a managing partner at the Windsor-based Judge Law, said: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence which requires prosecutors to show that a public officer deliberately breached their duty in a way that represents a serious abuse of public trust.”

“It is not enough for there to have been an error of judgment,” added Singh, “the conduct must be wilful and sufficiently serious.”

In 2026, the arrest of a royal family member is unprecedented in the U.K., though former royal status does not provide immunity from criminal law. While an arrest is not indicative of guilt, the news will still come as a shock to Britain and, crucially, the monarchy.