latest news: King asked about brother as searches continue after high-profile arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday, triggering searches of royal properties and renewed scrutiny of long-standing links to Jeffrey Epstein. As police carried out activity at residences in Berkshire and Norfolk, the King declined to answer shouted questions while attending a public event in central London.
Arrest and searches at royal properties
Early on Thursday morning ET, officers arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and began searches at addresses tied to the former duke. Teams were seen walking into Windsor Great Park while the gates of the former residence stood under a heavy press presence. Members of the public continued to use the park normally, but activity inside the 30-room former home will be closely examined.
Searches were also conducted at a property on the King's private Norfolk estate, where investigators are reviewing documents and material connected to longstanding questions about visits and contacts with Epstein and his associates. The arrested individual has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Wider police inquiry and flight records scrutiny
The arrest comes amid an expanded inquiry by several UK police forces examining Epstein’s ties to the country. Forces are looking at a range of allegations, including claims that private flights were used to traffic women and that individuals connected to Epstein attended gatherings in the 1990s and later. Investigators are assessing flight manifests and records that show dozens of private flights to and from UK airports over decades.
Police in Norfolk confirmed they were supporting investigative activity led from nearby areas, while other forces have said they are reviewing events mentioned in previously released documents. Enquiries include parties alleged to have taken place in the mid-1990s and questions about whether members of protective details may have been aware of trips linked to Epstein. Airports around the UK are also under scrutiny, with investigators examining private flight movements that bypass main terminals and use independent handling facilities.
Political reaction and next steps
The arrest prompted swift political reaction. A member of the US House oversight committee urged that the action should lead to answers and accountability, repeating calls for cooperation with inquiries. Pressure from lawmakers has been growing after documents made public in recent weeks renewed focus on the relationship between Epstein and a number of high-profile figures.
Police have been clear that enquiries are ongoing and that searches are designed to establish what evidence may exist in connection with the matters under review. The arrested man remains in custody while officers continue their enquiries. Officials have not said whether further arrests are planned.
In central London, the monarch left a fashion event after opening the city’s major week of shows; when asked about his brother, he did not respond to shouted questions from the press. The combination of courted attention at royal properties, cross-force policing activity and sustained political pressure means developments are likely to continue through the coming days as investigators piece together material from multiple jurisdictions.
