Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Feb 19: A UK police force has arrested former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Thames Valley Police, which covers areas west of London including Berkshire, said it had opened a formal investigation after assessing reports that the former royal sent trade-related documents to Epstein in 2010 during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.

In line with UK legal practice, police did not name the individual. However, the force confirmed the arrest of “a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” the force said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.”

The arrest followed circulation of images online that appeared to show unmarked police vehicles at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers gathered outside the residence.

Police said officers were conducting searches at two addresses — one in Norfolk and another in Berkshire — as part of the investigation.

“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk,” Thames Valley Police stated.

The development comes amid renewed scrutiny following fresh disclosures in files related to Epstein, which reportedly suggest Andrew may have shared potentially confidential trade material during his time representing the UK overseas.