(AP photo)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former Britain prince and brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports. The arrest comes amid his alleged links to infamous Epstein Files.UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the development, saying “nobody is above the law,” as reported by the BBC.Andrew, who turned 66 on the same day, was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police. He is also the first senior royal to be arrested in modern history.News photographers captured officers arriving to raid Prince Andrew’s residence on his 66th birthday.The police conducted a search at the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The raid came after emails linked to the case were released by the US department of justice. Its officers searched two addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Here’s what we know so far
- According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Epstein had emailed Andrew in September 2010 while the royal was preparing to travel to London. Epstein suggested changing their dinner plans at Buckingham Palace.
- Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution, mentioned he would be accompanied by three women, including a Russian model. “Should I bring them all. So as to add some life,” he wrote. Prince Andrew agreed. Emails released on Friday suggest that Epstein invited Mountbatten-Windsor to dinner with a 26-year-old Russian woman.
- The BBC also reported that images released from Epstein-related files by the US department of justice appear to show Andrew in compromising positions with an unidentified woman.
- In some of the photographs, Andrew is seen touching the woman’s stomach while she lies on the ground. In another image, he appears to be looking directly at the camera.
- The report noted that no additional context was provided for the images, and it remains unclear when and where they were taken.
- His arrest is being seen as a major setback for the British monarchy. Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and widely believed to be the late Queen’s favourite son, held several high-profile public and royal roles.
- His alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein have drawn intense scrutiny over the years, though he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
- Mountbatten-Windsor, who was earlier known as the Duke of York, was stripped of his royal titles in October following mounting controversy over his association with Epstein.
