LONDON (Diya TV) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, deepening a crisis that has shaken Britain’s royal family for years. Police detained the 66-year-old at the Sandringham estate in eastern England. Authorities said they acted as part of a widening investigation linked to files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The arrest marks an unprecedented moment in modern British history. It places renewed pressure on the monarchy and raises fresh questions about accountability at the highest levels of public life.

Thames Valley Police said officers arrested “a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” Police did not name him, in line with British practice. Multiple UK media outlets identified the suspect as Mountbatten-Windsor. Investigators are examining claims that he shared confidential government information with Epstein while serving as Britain’s trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor held that role from 2001 to 2011. Official guidance requires trade envoys to protect sensitive commercial and political information.

Recent document releases in the United States appear to show that Mountbatten-Windsor emailed Epstein reports about official visits to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Singapore. The emails also reportedly included details about investment opportunities. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing. Police have not charged him. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.

The Thames Valley Police covers more than 2,200 square miles across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. The force also provides security at Windsor Castle and other high-profile sites. Several other UK police forces are reviewing material related to Epstein. The  Metropolitan Police has opened an investigation into potential misconduct in public office involving former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson.

Surrey Police has urged witnesses to come forward regarding allegations of child sexual abuse in the 1990s. Officials said they found no record of certain claims after reviewing available information. Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council said a coordination group is working with regional forces and overseas agencies to assess all relevant evidence.

King Charles III issued a rare personal statement after the arrest. He said he learned of his brother’s detention “with the deepest concern.” He added that the law must take its course and pledged full cooperation with authorities. Charles signed the statement “Charles R.” He said his family would continue its public duties.

The palace has sought to distance itself from Mountbatten-Windsor for years. In 2022, he lost his military titles and royal patronages after a civil lawsuit in the United States accused him of sexual abuse. He settled that case without admitting liability. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied sexual abuse allegations. Police did not cite sexual abuse or trafficking in Thursday’s arrest statement. Instead, they focused on suspected misconduct in public office.

The arrest sparked political reaction on both sides of the Atlantic. U.S. lawmakers have pushed for greater transparency regarding Epstein’s associates. Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of California called the arrest a major step toward justice for survivors.

In Britain, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged police to review flight records linked to Epstein’s private jet. He wrote that authorities may not have fully examined key evidence in earlier inquiries. The case has renewed debate about oversight, transparency, and privilege. Royal experts say the situation could test public trust in the monarchy at a sensitive time.

The arrest of a senior royal has no modern precedent. The last British monarch to face arrest was Charles I, who was tried and executed in 1649 during the English Civil War. Historians say today’s monarchy operates under a very different constitutional framework. Still, they note that public scrutiny remains intense. Media coverage has focused on how the royal family manages internal crises while maintaining public service.

Mountbatten-Windsor once held a prominent role as the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. His ties to Epstein led to a dramatic fall from grace. He stepped back from public duties in 2019. As investigators continue their work, the case keeps drawing global attention. The outcome could shape public perception of royal accountability for years to come.