In line with U.K. protocol, police have not identified the arrested individual by name, referring instead to “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” in official statements.
The arrest took place on Andrew’s 66th birthday.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed that, following a detailed review, authorities have formally opened an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. He stressed the significant public interest in the case and emphasized the need to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the inquiry while working alongside partner agencies.
Norfolk Police confirmed they are assisting Thames Valley Police with the ongoing investigation.
King Charles III expressed “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother, who has faced increasing scrutiny due to his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King said the matter must proceed through a “full, fair and proper process” handled by the appropriate authorities, adding that they have the Royal Family’s full support and cooperation. He underscored that “the law must take its course” and declined to comment further while the investigation continues, affirming that he and his family would remain focused on their public duties.
Andrew has firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His representatives have been contacted for comment.
The specific allegations leading to the arrest have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed they were reviewing information suggesting that Andrew, while serving as the U.K.’s trade envoy, may have shared confidential government reports with Epstein. The documents reportedly detailed official visits to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011.
These claims stem from correspondence released as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s final disclosure of Epstein-related files. One email addressed to “The Duke” and later forwarded to Epstein referenced attached visit reports connected to Southeast Asia. Another message appeared to outline a potential investment opportunity in Afghanistan.
Before being stripped of his royal titles, Andrew was widely known as the Duke of York.
The DOJ documents also included a photograph showing Andrew leaning over a woman whose face had been redacted. The context, location, and timing of the image remain unclear. The photo was displayed during testimony by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Department’s handling of the Epstein files.
Police are also reviewing allegations that Epstein sent a woman to Andrew at the Royal Lodge residence in Windsor in 2010. Authorities stated they are assessing the information in accordance with established procedures.
The renewed allegations have reignited questions about Andrew’s relationship with Epstein and his conduct.
Before news of the arrest broke, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “nobody is above the law” when asked whether Andrew should testify before the U.S. Congress, adding that anyone with relevant information should cooperate with investigators.
The unfolding situation has also affected other political figures. Peter Mandelson resigned as U.K. ambassador to the United States after earlier file releases suggested he had not fully disclosed the extent of his contact with Epstein. Subsequent documents appeared to indicate that sensitive government information may have been shared, prompting a separate police investigation.
U.S. President Donald Trump described Andrew’s arrest as “a shame” and “very sad for the royal family,” while also addressing questions about his own past association with Epstein, stating he had been “totally exonerated.”
Andrew’s connection to Epstein has been under scrutiny for years, particularly due to continued contact after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for prostitution-related offenses. Epstein later died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges.
In 2019, Andrew gave a widely criticized interview to the BBC’s Newsnight program in which he denied allegations of sexual abuse brought by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers. He also questioned the authenticity of a photograph showing himself with Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In January 2022, Andrew was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages amid a civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre. The case was settled the following month for an undisclosed sum. In late 2025, he lost his remaining titles following additional allegations that emerged in Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
Amid mounting scrutiny, Andrew vacated his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, earlier this month and has since relocated to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.