Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested in dramatic Sandringham raid

In a dramatic turn, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday at his Sandringham estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office, just hours after turning 66. At least six unmarked police cars arrived at Wood Farm this morning, where plain-clothed officers reportedly carried out the arrest.

Thames Valley Police said the arrest comes after an investigation into allegations that Andrew shared confidential trade information with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The case drew attention last week when police confirmed they were reviewing millions of pages of documents linked to Epstein, prompting Buckingham Palace to say King Charles III expressed “profound concern” and that the palace “stands ready to support” authorities.

Andrew was taken into custody while searches are being conducted at his Sandringham home and other addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. Police emphasized the high public interest in the case, noting that evidence collection and investigation are ongoing.

After an arrest in England, suspects are interviewed under caution and can be held up to 24 hours, or 36 hours in exceptional circumstances, while officers review evidence. If charged, Andrew could face life imprisonment, the maximum penalty for misconduct in public office.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the investigation aims to maintain “integrity and objectivity” and stressed that updates would be provided at the appropriate time.

The arrest has already sparked intense media coverage and speculation online, with images circulating of unmarked police vehicles and officers outside Andrew’s estate. For the former royal, who has long been under scrutiny for his connections to Epstein, this marks another unprecedented moment in a life already marked by controversy.

*Source: Yahoo News