Royal upheaval!

Andrew turns 66: Police arrive in Sandringham!

Commotion in Sandringham! On Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday, police cars drove onto the grounds.(Bild: AFP/DANIEL LEAL)

On the morning of his 66th birthday, several police units arrived at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lives. Shortly after 8 a.m., six unmarked vehicles drove onto King Charles III's property, where Andrew was arrested. It is unclear where he was taken. He can be held for between 12 and 96 hours.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports. Further details about the specific allegations and the circumstances of the arrest were not initially disclosed. The investigation is ongoing. Under British law, the offense of "misconduct in public office" refers to public officials who intentionally abuse or neglect their public position. 

Statement from King Charles 
King Charles issued a statement at noon expressing his deep concern about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and emphasizing that the law must now take its course. 

"What follows now is a thorough, fair, and proper process in which this matter will be investigated appropriately by the relevant authorities. As I have said before, they have our full and unreserved support and cooperation."

Police search two residential addresses
 Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement that on February 19, a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. At the same time, searches were carried out at addresses in Berkshire, where the Royal Lodge is located, and Norfolk.

The man remains in police custody. For reasons of national policy, the name of the arrested person will not be published. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that, after thorough examination, a formal investigation had now been launched. The aim was to maintain the integrity and objectivity of the investigation and, given the high level of public interest, to release further information in due course.

Commotion in Sandringham! Police cars arrived on the grounds on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday.(Bild: AFP/DANIEL LEAL)

How long can Andrew be held?
Police commentator Danny Shaw told BBC Radio 5 Live that Andrew could be held for a maximum of 96 hours. However, this would require several extensions by senior police officers and a magistrates' court.

In most cases, Shaw added, suspects are held for 12 or 24 hours before being either charged or released pending further investigation.

The entrance to Wood Farm on the royal estate of Sandringham in Norfolk(Bild: AFP/HENRY NICHOLLS)

Is Andrew sitting in a cell?
Andrew is being held in "a cell in a custody suite" — a cell with only a bed and a toilet — where he must wait for his police interview. Shaw emphasized, "There is no special treatment for him!" It remains unclear exactly when Andrew was arrested and where he is currently being held.

Eyewitnesses reported that eight people in plain clothes parked near Wood Farm – the former residence of Prince Philip. One of the men is said to have been carrying a work laptop. 

Andrew is expected to live at Marsh Farm (pictured) in Sandringham in the future. However, until the renovation is complete, he has been housed by King Charles at Wood Farm.(Bild: AFP/HENRY NICHOLLS)

"No one is above the law"
The police operation is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into allegations surrounding the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Nine British police authorities are currently assessing possible investigations into alleged human trafficking and sexual assaults. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently stated that "no one is above the law" in the UK.

Connection to Epstein
The former prince has already lost his social position and privileges due to his connection to Epstein. He had to step down from all royal duties in 2019. In October, King Charles stripped him of his princely title, and last week he had to vacate his Royal Lodge estate in Windsor.

The 66-year-old settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her as a minor, in connection with the Epstein scandal. Giuffre committed suicide in April. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing and has so far remained silent on the new allegations. Thames Valley Police are also investigating another allegation against Andrew involving a woman who is said to have been taken to an address in Windsor.