prince andrew arrested: King expresses 'deepest concern' as brother held on suspicion of misconduct
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the King's brother, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday, an extraordinary development that has prompted an immediate law-enforcement response and a restrained public reaction from the royal household.
Police action and custody status
The former duke was detained and taken into custody while officers carried out searches of properties connected to him. He spent roughly nine hours in police custody. Under custody rules, detainees held for longer than six hours are moved to a dedicated custody suite, where bedding, fresh clothing and regular meals are provided.
Thames Valley Police contacted the Home Office before the arrest and have been leading searches and enquiries. The suspected offence is misconduct in public office, an allegation that concerns the misuse of a role that serves the public by knowingly acting improperly. In this case, the investigation involves claims about sharing confidential government and financial information with a convicted criminal. The former duke has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to those claims.
Royal household reaction and public engagements
The news landed in the middle of a day of scheduled royal engagements. The King opened a major public event in central London and, as he departed, was asked shouted questions but did not answer. He later issued a short statement saying: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office" and that "the law must take its course. "
Other senior members of the royal family kept to planned appearances. The Queen attended a lunchtime concert in Westminster a few hours after the arrest and was described as appearing upbeat during the visit, applauding musicians and engaging with the audience. Camilla met performers at the venue and, like others, left without answering shouted questions from reporters.
Royal commentators have described the arrest as unprecedented in modern times given the seniority of the figure involved. The household's public posture has been measured: duties continued, public messaging stressed the importance of the legal process, and no further interventions from the palace were issued beyond the King's initial statement.
Legal backdrop and next steps
Misconduct in public office is a serious criminal allegation that can cover a range of misconduct by someone performing public duties. The investigation will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue charges. Searches of properties linked to the detained individual are part of standard procedures to secure any relevant material for the inquiry.
Police custody arrangements mean investigators can continue questioning and consider whether to release the detainee under investigation, release on bail, or refer the matter for charging. Any decision will be taken by investigators and prosecutors based on the evidence gathered during searches and interviews.
The rapid escalation from headline to arrest has put both the accused and the institution with which he is associated under intense public scrutiny. For now, the focus will remain on the investigation and the legal steps that follow, while the palace maintains a stance that the legal process must be allowed to run its course.
