What you need to know
- A UK police force has arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into his past role as a UK trade envoy – not connected to the past sexual misconduct allegations.
- Andrew has been photographed leaving a police station, after being released under investigation.
- The last member of the British royal family known to have been arrested and detained before this was Charles I of England, who was taken into custody by Parliamentary forces in 1647 during the English Civil War.
- King Charles said his younger brother’s arrest was of “the deepest concern” and has vowed his “full and wholehearted support” to the police investigation.
- US President Donald Trump said the arrest was a “very sad thing”.
- Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles in 2025, remains eighth in line to the throne.
- The arrest – on his 66th birthday – follows frequent mention of Andrew in the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor photographed leaving a UK police station following his arrest
The vehicle tried to get through an electronic gate but was unable to do so as the gate was broken.
It eventually went in via another gate after waiting 10 minutes.
Five minutes later a large garage door in the building opened and two cars could be seen, including the Range Rover.
The cars drove past reporters waiting outside, however a photographer was able to take a picture of Mountbatten-Windsor trying to lie down on the back seat.
Six companies linked to Sarah Ferguson move to close amid Epstein scrutiny
UK corporate records show applications were filed this month to strike the companies from the Companies House register, People have reported.
The businesses are S. Phoenix Events Limited, Fergie’s Farm, La Luna Investments, Solamoon Limited, Philanthrepreneur Limited and Planet Partners Productions Limited.
Documents list Ferguson, 66, as the sole director of all six companies. There are no records indicating the companies owe money to creditors.
The exact nature and level of activity of the businesses is unclear. Companies House describes S. Phoenix Events Limited as operating in public relations and communications, while Fergie’s Farm is registered as a retail business. Limited information is available about the remaining entities.
The filings come as scrutiny intensifies following the arrest of Ferguson’s former husband, Prince Andrew, who was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police have confirmed they are investigating a complaint alleging Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy.
Ferguson and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are yet to make a statement on Andrew’s arrest.
Andrew’s arrest a ‘very sad thing’: Trump
“I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing.”
Trump said King Charles would “obviously” be going to the US very soon.
Queen’s former Press Secretary says Andrew looks ‘dazed’ and ‘shell-shocked’
The photo reminds people of his “extraordinary fall from grace”, and will leave the Royal Family feeling “bruised” and “shattered”, Ailsa Anderson said.
Thames Valley Police provide update
No charges have been laid as of yet.
Here is the statement in full:
“We are able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. Today we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.