King Charles’s brother arrested over 'misconduct' amid probe into Epstein files

King Charles’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations that he shared confidential government papers with Jeffrey Epstein, according to the BBC.

Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed that they were reviewing claims that Mountbatten-Windsor may have passed sensitive documents to the late convicted sex offender, based on files released by the United States government.

In a statement posted on X, police said: “Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into an offence of misconduct in public office.”

The force added: “A man in his sixties from Norfolk has been arrested and remains in police custody. As per national guidance, we will not name the arrested man.”

According to earlier media reports, six unmarked police vehicles and about eight plain-clothes officers were seen arriving at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, where Mountbatten-Windsor — who turned 66 on Thursday — currently resides.

The former prince, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has consistently denied any wrongdoing linked to Epstein and previously expressed regret over their association. He has not commented publicly since the latest batch of documents was released. There was also no immediate response from Buckingham Palace.

Reports indicate that Mountbatten-Windsor was referred to police by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic after the publication of more than three million pages of material related to Epstein, who in 2008 was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The newly released files reportedly suggest that in 2010 Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded Epstein reports concerning Vietnam, Singapore and other destinations he had visited during official trips.

Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service had earlier confirmed they were in discussions regarding the matter.

Police noted that allegations of misconduct in public office — a common law offence rather than one defined in statute — involve “particular complexities”.

Mountbatten-Windsor stepped back from all official royal duties in 2019. In October 2025, King Charles III stripped him of his prince title due to his links with Epstein. Earlier this month, he was also required to vacate his royal residence.