King Charles’ brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sending classified government documents to convicted sex trafficker and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest took place on what would have been the former prince’s 66th birthday. Days earlier, Thames Valley Police said it was investigating the allegations against Andrew.
King Charles’ reaction
King Charles said in a statement: “It was with the deepest concern that I learned of the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicions of misconduct in public office.” The 77-year-old added that his family had given their “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
“Let me be clear: the law must follow its course… In the meantime, my family and I will continue to carry out our duties and serve all of you,” he wrote in the statement.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s office has not yet responded to the arrest.
Explaining the charges against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
According to police, recently released Epstein documents show that Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded reports to sex traffickers in 2010 about Vietnam, Singapore and other places he visited during an official trip as the government’s special representative for trade and investment.
He was forced to resign from that role in 2011 after his close ties to Epstein first came to light.
Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now launched an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
“We understand there is significant public interest in this case and we will provide an update in due course.”
Will Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor face jail?
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, misconduct in public office relates to a serious abuse or neglect of power or responsibility. Its maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Virginia Giuffre’s family reacts
Virginia Giuffre settled a civil lawsuit against the former prince in 2022, accusing Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. The current investigation is not related to these allegations.
The family of Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, said in a statement: “Our broken hearts are strengthened today by the knowledge that no one, not even members of the royal family, is above the law.”
Last year, King Charles stripped his younger brother of his royal titles over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
(With information from Reuters)
