UK police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly known as Prince Andrew) on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.
The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a US investigation of Epstein.
The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under UK law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.
Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor’s home, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.
— AP