On February 19 (Thursday), British time, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former British prince and brother of King Charles, was arrested by the police on his 66th birthday.
The arrest occurred at 8 a.m. that day, when six unmarked British police cars drove into Sandringham Manor, and eight plainclothes police officers (one of whom was carrying a police-specific laptop) arrived at Andrew's new home, Wood Farm.
Less than an hour later, witnesses at the scene filmed a convoy of at least two of Andrew's Royal Land Rovers hurrying away from the Sandringham estate.
At 10:08 a.m., Thames Valley Police officially confirmed that Andrew had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
British police operations did not stop in Norfolk. Thames Valley Police also launched a search at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire. The property was Andrew's main residence for more than two decades until he was forced to vacate this month.
A British police spokesman confirmed that searches were currently underway at two addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire and that the arrested man was still in custody, but declined to disclose his specific location.
Norfolk Police said it was "assisting" the investigation but would not say whether local police facilities would be used for questioning.
1. King Charles made a statement
Multiple sources confirmed that Thames Valley Police did not notify King Charles in advance before making the arrest.
At noon on Thursday, Buckingham Palace urgently issued a statement from King Charles.
The statement read: "I am very concerned about the news about Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and his alleged misconduct in public office. This issue will be investigated by the relevant departments in an appropriate manner and in accordance with comprehensive, fair and due process."
"In this regard, as I have said before, they have our full support and cooperation. I must be clear: the law must operate according to its established process, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter while this process is ongoing."
"In the meantime, my family and I will continue to serve you all as we do."
Prince William and Princess Kate have also made it clear that they support the king's statement.
2. Investigation situation
The core clues to Andrew's arrest came from the "Epstein Files".
Relevant emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January this year showed that Andrew leaked a large amount of confidential information to Epstein while serving as the British trade envoy.
Email evidence shows that in November 2010, after Andrew received an official report from his special adviser on his visits to Vietnam, Singapore and other countries, he forwarded it to Epstein in just five minutes; on Christmas Eve of the same year, he also sent Epstein a confidential briefing on investment opportunities for the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.
British police have been investigating Andrew's conduct as trade envoy over the past ten days.
Oliver Wright, Assistant Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, said that after a comprehensive assessment, the police have officially launched an investigation into Andrew's alleged misconduct in public office. The impartiality and objectivity of the investigation will be protected and the latest developments will be released at an appropriate time.
Norfolk Police said it was cooperating with Thames Valley Police's investigation, but did not say whether Andrew was being questioned at its police station.
The nine major police stations in the UK have taken simultaneous actions: the Metropolitan Police announced yesterday that it has begun a "preliminary investigation" into Andrew's former personal bodyguard. No misconduct has been found so far, but the investigation has been officially launched; Essex Police, Bedfordshire Police, Scotland Police and other agencies are also considering launching their own investigations.
3. Responses from all parties
The family of Epstein victim Virginia Giver said upon learning of Andrew's arrest that it was a "landmark moment in the pursuit of justice."
They emphasized: "No one is above the law, not even members of the royal family. He has never been worthy of being a prince. Virginia did this for all the victims around the world."
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown revealed that he has submitted a five-page memorandum to multiple British police agencies including the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police, which contains "new information" to assist the police investigation.
Jonathan Dimbleby, biographer and friend of King Charles, said: "Andrew's arrest just shows that the royal institution is functioning normally and it will not damage the monarchy."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also made a clear statement in an interview with the BBC: "Anyone, no matter who they are, as long as they have relevant information, have an obligation to come forward and testify, and Andrew is no exception. Everyone is equal before the law, and no one is above the law."
He also said that he would not prevent MPs from holding an open parliamentary debate on Andrew's relationship with Epstein.
