By Spy Uganda
Thames Valley Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, the former British royal, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations linked to the handling of confidential government material.
In a statement released on Thursday, police confirmed that “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” had been detained as part of an ongoing investigation. Officers are also conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“The man remains in police custody at this time,” the force said, adding that investigators would not formally identify the suspect in accordance with national guidance while the case remains active.
Allegations Under Investigation
The arrest follows a series of claims that Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly shared official documents during his time as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
Previously reported allegations suggested he circulated sensitive materials — including trade visit reports, a confidential briefing concerning investment opportunities in Afghanistan, and a Treasury document allegedly forwarded to a personal business contact.
Some claims also relate to communications with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by US authorities earlier this year — reportedly numbering more than three million pages — indicated that reports from official visits to countries including Vietnam and Singapore may have been shared with Epstein, and that his views were sought on investment prospects in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Police have not disclosed which specific allegations prompted the current arrest.
Official Responses
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said investigators had opened a formal inquiry following a detailed assessment.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence,” he said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Buckingham Palace said King Charles III had responded to the development by stating that “the law must take its course” in relation to the investigation involving his brother.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed that position, saying Mountbatten-Windsor should cooperate fully with both British and United States authorities, adding that “no one is above the law.”
Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal status is not expected to affect the legal assessment of the case. His former position as trade representative has also drawn scrutiny. The Department for Business and Trade has emphasised that his role operated under arrangements different from the rules that now govern modern trade envoys.
He was stripped of royal titles last year amid continuing controversy surrounding his association with Epstein and longstanding allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied.
Mountbatten-Windsor has previously rejected wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Impact On Monarchy
The arrest marks an unprecedented development involving a senior former royal figure and has renewed debate about accountability within Britain’s establishment.
Speaking to reporters, journalist Milena Veselinovic described the case as another blow to the monarchy’s reputation, noting Mountbatten-Windsor’s dramatic fall from grace after once holding prominent public roles.
Political commentator Michael Walker of Novara Media said the developments were “incredibly damaging” to public perceptions of both the royal family and wider institutions, arguing that responses to earlier controversies appeared reactive rather than decisive.
Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and warned that reporting must avoid prejudicing future legal proceedings.
The royal family has said it will cooperate fully with investigators. No charges have been announced, and Mountbatten-Windsor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
