Andrew was detained on February 19 at the Sandringham Estate. He spent roughly 11 hours in custody before being released later that evening while the investigation continues.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest.

“As part of the investigation, we have today 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,” the force said.

Authorities declined to name the individual, citing national guidance. No charges have been filed, and the arrest does not imply guilt.

Ferguson’s reported absence from public view

Ferguson, often referred to as Fergie, has not been seen publicly for several months and is believed to be overseas.

Reports suggest she recently spent time in the French Alps before travelling to the United Arab Emirates.

A source speaking to the Daily Mail claimed Ferguson has been struggling privately.

“She sounds in a bad way. She’s been telling people she is really suffering with her mental health and thinks everyone is out to get her,” the source said.

The same insider suggested that while Ferguson is eager to rebuild her finances, her public image has suffered significant damage.

“She wants to get out there and start earning money again. I can’t see how she’s going to do it. Her brand is toxic,” the source added.

According to reports, publishing a memoir had been discussed but is no longer considered an option. The source claimed Ferguson may ultimately need to address certain matters with authorities instead.

Sources have also described the situation as deeply distressing for Ferguson’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. One insider said both were “in a state” following news of their father’s arrest.

Background to the investigation

The specific details surrounding the allegations of misconduct remain unclear.

However, scrutiny intensified after the release of Epstein related files earlier this year. Andrew has faced renewed attention over claims that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy.

He stepped down from the role in 2011 amid mounting questions about his association with Epstein.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Ferguson has also faced renewed public attention. Last September, she was reportedly dropped by several charitable organisations after emails resurfaced that appeared to show correspondence with Epstein.

One email from 2011 allegedly described Epstein as a “supreme friend,” despite earlier public statements in which Ferguson said she would have no further contact with him. A spokesperson later claimed the message had been sent under duress.

Additional emails released more recently have continued to attract media interest.

A reminder on legal context

Being referenced in investigative files or named in correspondence does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct.

No conclusions have been reached in the ongoing investigation.