Q&A on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest: His links with Jeffrey Epstein, what UK police said and how King Charles reacted
The assessment by UK police comes after the US Justice Department released millions of files related to investigations carried out by agencies in relation to deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Britain's Prince Andrew, center, and his daughters Princess Eugenie, left, and Princess Beatrice leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, in London. (AP Photo/ File)
The UK police on Thursday arrested former British Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is the brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The police have said the alleged misconduct relates to the royal’s time when he was UK trade envoy before 2011.
According to Thames Valley Police, which is the agency covering the areas west of London, it was “assessing” reports that Mountbatten-Windsor trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.
The assessment by UK police comes after the US Justice Department released millions of files related to investigations carried out by agencies in relation to deceased paedophile Epstein, who died in a prison in New York in 2019.
01
What has Buckingham Palace said about Mountbatten-Windsor recently?
Buckingham Palace had recently supported the police and said that it would “stand ready to support” the investigative agencies if they are approached regarding the claims made against former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace had last week clarified that King Charles had “made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”
02
How long can police hold Mountbatten Windsor in custody?
According to law in Wales and England, police can hold up a person into custody for up to 24 hours in most cases after which the authorities would be bound to either release the person or charge them with a crime.
However, in the case of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the UK police can hold him in custody for up to 96 hours, which is the amount of time a person can be held in custody if alleged with a serious crime.
03
What is ‘Misconduct in Public Office’ as per England’s law?
The Thames Valley Police has said that they have arrested Mountbatten Windsor on charges of misconduct in public office. As per Crown Prosecution Service, in England, misconduct in public office is a common law offence that concerns “serious willful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.”
The offence of misconduct in public office can be tried only on indictment and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. “There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities,” according to the prosecution service, CNN reported.
04
What has police said regarding Mountbatten Windsor’s arrest?
Without naming the former prince, which is normal under UK law, the police in a statement said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
The police further added, “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
05
How has King Charles reacted to former Prince Andrew's arrest
King Charles III has said that he learned “with the deepest concern” of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his younger brother, and highlighted that “the law must take its course.”
In a statement, King Charles said, "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Nischai Vats is a Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express. His work primarily covers US politics and visa and immigration policy, alongside broader international developments, with an emphasis on accuracy, verification, and clear explainers.
Experience
Nischai joined The Indian Express in May 2024 where he works on writing, editing, and refining high-impact stories for digital platforms. His role involves ensuring editorial consistency, factual accuracy, and clarity in coverage of complex policy-driven subjects.
Earlier in his career, he worked across Indian digital newsrooms in reporting and editing roles, including stints at Inshorts, Newslaundry, Tiranga TV, and Catch News. His newsroom experience spans rapid digital publishing, ground reporting, and copy editing across national, civic, and policy beats.
Expertise
His core areas of focus include:
US politics and governance: Coverage of American political developments, executive actions, and policy shifts.
US visa and immigration policy: Reporting and editing stories on visa categories, regulatory changes, and immigration pathways affecting global audiences.
Editorial accuracy and copy editing: Ensuring clarity, language precision, and verification in fast-paced digital news environments.
Authoritativeness and trustworthiness
Nischai's journalism is grounded in verified sources, official documentation, and clear attribution, in line with The Indian Express’ editorial standards. His background across reporting and editing enables him to translate complex policy updates into reliable, reader-friendly coverage. ... Read More
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Britain's Prince Andrew, center, and his daughters Princess Eugenie, left, and Princess Beatrice leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, in London. (AP Photo/ File) 
