Who is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? Former Prince arrested

Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest and said they had opened a misconduct in public office investigation “following a thorough assessment.”

Andrew is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said police had opened a misconduct in public office investigation “following a thorough assessment” and acknowledged the significant public interest, adding that the force would provide updates at the appropriate time.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of 'misconduct' in public office

Immediate family

Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor, born February 19, 1960, formerly Duke of York, is the third child and second son of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the younger brother of Charles III.

At the time of his birth, he was second in line to the British throne.

Andrew served in the Royal Navy from 1979 until 2001. During the Falklands War, he flew helicopters on active service. He later qualified as a helicopter instructor and went on to command a warship.

In 1986, he married Sarah Ferguson and was created Duke of York on his wedding day. The couple had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, before separating in 1992 and divorcing in 1996.

From 2001 to 2011, Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

Military and Trade Career

Mr Mountbatten‑Windsor served in the Royal Navy from 1979 to 2001, including active duty as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.

He later rose to the rank of commander before holding honorary senior ranks.

From 2001 to 2011, he served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, promoting British business overseas.

Epstein Links and Resignation from Duties

Concerns about his conduct emerged publicly due to his long-standing friendship with Epstein, and Mr Mountbatten‑Windsor stepped back from royal duties in 2019.

He was later stripped of his remaining royal and military titles.

Thames Valley Police said the arrest followed a complaint received after the release of millions of pages of files related to Epstein.

Allegations in Released Documents

These documents include allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.

Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice appear to show the former Duke of York sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by the former duke five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Police Position and Public Identification

No charges have been brought at this time, and police have not formally named him, in accordance with national guidance.

However, media outlets have identified him as Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor.

On his 66th birthday, unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where officers were seen outside the property.

Searches are also being carried out at addresses in both Berkshire and Norfolk.

Denials and Ongoing Investigation

Mr Mountbatten‑Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.

He has also contested allegations made by a woman who claims she was trafficked to the UK to have sex with him.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further statements are expected in due course.