London

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, the younger brother of Charles III, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, CNN reported, citing police sources.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said a man in his sixties from Norfolk was taken into custody on February 19 in connection with an ongoing inquiry. Officers are conducting searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, and the suspect remains in custody.

The force said it would not name the individual in line with national guidelines and cautioned media outlets about reporting on an active case to avoid contempt of court.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that, following an initial assessment, authorities had launched a formal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. He emphasised the need to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the inquiry while acknowledging the high level of public interest.

According to CNN, officers arrived early Thursday at Sandringham, the private Norfolk estate of King Charles III, where Andrew had recently relocated after leaving his long-time residence at Windsor. The Sandringham estate falls under the jurisdiction of Norfolk Constabulary, which confirmed it is assisting Thames Valley Police.

Police had earlier indicated they were examining claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein for an alleged encounter with Andrew. Investigators are also reviewing allegations that Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy, CNN reported.

Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing, stating he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct. He has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

The arrest follows renewed scrutiny after the release of additional Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice. In October, King Charles III formally stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles and responsibilities and began proceedings to remove him from his Windsor residence. Reports indicated that Andrew had since moved to accommodation on the King’s Sandringham estate.

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Multiple British police forces — including the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police and Norfolk Constabulary — are understood to be reviewing or supporting inquiries linked to disclosures in the Epstein case.