Thames Valley Police have arrested a man they identify as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the force said. Officers described the detainee as a man in his 60s from Norfolk. Early-morning searches were carried out at two addresses linked to the family, including a property on the Sandringham Estate where unmarked police vehicles were seen. Police stressed the probe is live and urged the public and media not to publish material that could risk contempt of court.
What the police are doing now – Investigators say their immediate priorities are preserving evidence and protecting the integrity of any subsequent legal process. The operation has involved coordinated searches and custody procedures overseen by Thames Valley Police with input from prosecuting authorities and specialist units. – Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright told reporters the inquiry began after allegations were received that fall within the scope of a public official abusing their position. Senior detectives said the arrest followed careful assessment and that they are handling the matter with urgency and restraint. They also noted that naming the arrested individual during the investigation would breach national guidance.
The legal test: what “misconduct in public office” means – Misconduct in public office is a common‑law offence. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the accused held a public duty, deliberately or recklessly failed to perform it, and that the conduct caused substantial public harm. – Legal commentators emphasise that the charge requires more than negligence or poor judgment; the Crown must show intent or recklessness rather than mere error.
What evidence investigators will seek Detectives say they will concentrate on material that can meet the high criminal standard: contemporaneous records, communications, witness statements and documentation of decision‑making. The goal is to establish a clear evidentiary chain linking the alleged acts to the necessary mental element, while respecting disclosure obligations and the rights of the defence. Police added they are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and specialist teams to ensure any charging decision satisfies legal tests and the public interest. They warned that premature identification or reporting could jeopardise lines of inquiry and prejudice future proceedings.
Background and earlier scrutiny The current inquiry is taking place against a backdrop of prior scrutiny involving the individual’s past associations, including allegations previously connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Detectives have examined claims that a woman was brought to the UK for a sexual encounter involving the former royal. One accuser named in earlier filings, Virginia Giuffre, is reported to have died in. The arrested man has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to those claims.
Next steps Authorities say they will provide further information when disclosure would not prejudice the investigation or the rights of those involved. Beyond confirming searches and ongoing evidence‑gathering, the investigative team declined to discuss operational detail.
Public reaction and significance The arrest has drawn public and media attention given the individual’s profile and the seriousness of the allegations. Police have reiterated the need for caution in reporting, highlighting that safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and any future trial is paramount.
The investigation remains active. Thames Valley Police ask anyone with relevant information to contact them and remind everyone that an arrest is not the same as a conviction.