Andrew arrested at Sandringham Estate as police investigate Trade Envoy claims and Epstein Files
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King Charles has expressed deep concern that his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and said the "law must take its course".
The former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his Sandringham home on Thursday following investigations into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The King said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"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."
Thames Valley Police and Norfolk Police are completing the investigation into allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Misconduct in a public office is defined as a "serious wilful abuse or neglect" of powers relating to a role in public office by the CPS.
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10h ago
Charles didn’t answer questions
The King has left the British Fashion Council in central London after opening London Fashion Week.
As his car departed, a reporter could be heard shouting questions, but Charles did not respond.
10h ago
Oversight committee member hopes for accountability
A Democrat member of the US House Oversight Committee, who has previously called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to sit for a transcribed interview under oath in front of Congress, has said he hopes the arrest will “show that there will be accountability”.
Suhas Subramanyam said in a statement: “He (Andrew) appears repeatedly in the documents we have uncovered as having knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and is specifically named by victims as someone who engaged in wrongdoing.
“Yet he has continued to ignore our calls to cooperate with the Oversight Committee’s investigation.
“We hope today’s arrest will lead to answers and show that there will be accountability even if you hide, regardless of how rich and powerful you are.”
10h ago
Anne at HMP Leeds
The Princess Royal attended a planned visit to a West Yorkshire prison on Thursday afternoon.
Two black Range Rovers – one believed to contain Anne – arrived at HMP Leeds at 2.30pm, escorted by police.
About a dozen staff members from nearby charities stood by the road hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal as she drove onto the site.
Kelly Manton, from the West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project Resettlement Service, said she was “sad” to learn of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
She told reporters: “It’s sad in a way it’s come to this, given the stature and everything of the Royal family. He’s a big figure in the UK and in the Royal family.
“It’s just a sad situation and I do feel for the Royal family that this is happening to them.”
Rahima Adam, from the same organisation, said: “It’s disappointing news. I don’t think anyone wants to hear it, so, it’s very sad.”
10h ago
Where are Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie?
The two princesses and the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are keeping a low profile in the wake of his arrest.
Beatrice and Eugenie were not with Andrew when he was arrested in Windsor.
Flaminia Luck has a look here.
10h ago
US Democrat hopes arrest leads to ‘accountability’
A democrat member of the US House Oversight Committee, who has previously called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to sit for a transcribed interview under oath in front of Congress, has said he hopes the arrest will “show that there will be accountability”.
Suhas Subramanyam said in a statement: “He (Andrew) appears repeatedly in the documents we have uncovered as having knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and is specifically named by victims as someone who engaged in wrongdoing.
“Yet he has continued to ignore our calls to cooperate with the Oversight Committee’s investigation.
“We hope today’s arrest will lead to answers and show that there will be accountability even if you hide, regardless of how rich and powerful you are.”
11h ago
Camilla did not respond to Andrew questions
The Queen was questioned about the arrest of her brother-in-law Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as she left an engagement in Westminster.
As she got into a waiting car outside a lunchtime orchestral concert at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall, she was asked “are you concerned about Andrew’s arrest, your majesty?”
Camilla waved to cameras but did not respond.
11h ago
Welsh first minister ‘shocked’ by arrest
Baroness Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, said she was “shocked” by the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
She said: “I think we’ve all been shocked by what’s been happening and, clearly, now there’s been an arrest, and it’s in police hands, so I can’t comment further, but it’s a serious situation.
“But everybody should be treated the same.”
11h ago
King met with "groans" in central London
The King was met with questions about his brother while arriving at an engagement in the Strand area of central London, hours after issuing a statement expressing his “deepest concern” over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Several people let out cries of “ohh” as the King’s car pulled up.
Wearing a dark suit, Charles stepped out of the car to a mixture of shouts from members of the public crowding the streets.
As the monarch entered the building, questions about Andrew’s arrest were shouted. He did not respond.
11h ago
Andrew Marr: Andrew arrest is the biggest crisis for the royal family since the Abdication Crisis of 1936
11h ago
More police arrive at the Royal Lodge
More police have gone through the gates of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former Berkshire home as they continue to conduct their search.
Multiple vans carrying police officers arrived at the Royal Lodge residence on Thursday afternoon, where a search of Andrew’s former home is ongoing.
Members of the public, including runners, dog walkers and children on scooters, are still roaming the sprawling parks which surround the residence.
The press are being held at an outer gate beyond Windsor Great Park and are not permitted on the grounds currently.