King Charles’ brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct

British police arrested King Charles III’s younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with the king expressing “deep concern” over recent developments.

Previous reports from the BBC and the Daily Telegraph said British police were seen arriving at Mr Andrew’s estate in Sandringham, England, on Thursday morning.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement that a man in his 60s from Norfolk, who did not want to be named, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

“Following a thorough investigation, we have launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a police statement.

“As we work with our partners to investigate this alleged crime, it is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of the investigation,” he said, adding: “We understand the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates in due course.”

Buckingham Palace initially declined to comment on the matter, but the king soon issued a statement.

In a statement sent to CNBC from Buckingham Palace, the king said: “It is with deep concern that I learned of the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the allegations of misconduct in public office.”

“There will now be a full, fair and appropriate process whereby this matter is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” he added.

Prince Charles said police had the “full and wholehearted support and cooperation” of the royal family.

“Let me be clear: the law should move in that direction. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter as this process continues,” he said.

Andrew, the king’s younger brother and the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been under intense scrutiny for his relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and for allegedly sexually assaulting 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, a well-known victim of Epstein’s sex trafficking.

Mr. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Mr. Epstein or met with Mr. Giuffre, and there is no indication that his arrest on Thursday is connected to Mr. Giuffre, who died in 2025.

Thames Valley Police previously said they were “assessing” a report alleging he sent a confidential trade report to Mr Epstein in 2010, when he was Britain’s international trade envoy. CNBC has reached out to Andrew’s spokesperson for further comment on the arrest.

The public outcry over Andrew’s relationship with disgraced financier Epstein had far-reaching effects. The former prince has been stripped of his royal titles, including “His Royal Highness” and “Prince,” and is no longer a working royal.

Andrew was also forced to move from his Windsor estate, Royal Lodge, to a smaller mansion on Charles’ Sandringham Estate. The king has cut Andrew’s annual personal allowance and security funding, but is paying for new accommodation.

British Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary David Lammy told CNBC on Thursday that the arrests showed “no one is above the law.”

“This is currently under police investigation and must be done as it should,” he told CNBC’s Arjun Karpal at the AI ​​Impact Summit in India.

Police have not provided details or details about the charges they are investigating or what led to the arrest.

British police can detain suspects without charge for 24 hours, but this can be extended to 36 or 96 hours with special permission.

—CNBC’s Kai Nicol-Schwarz and Arjun Kharpal contributed to this report.