Images that surfaced this morning (19 February) showed unmarked police vehicles outside Wood Farm in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers seen gathering near the residence.

The former Duke of York, who celebrates his 66th birthday today, is currently living at Sandringham after being asked to leave the Royal Lodge in Windsor by his brother, King Charles III, following ongoing allegations concerning his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The development follows earlier statements from Thames Valley Police confirming that officers were reviewing claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, as well as allegations that he shared sensitive information with the convicted offender during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.

In a statement released today, the force said: “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.”

The statement continued: “The man remains in police custody at this time.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

No additional details regarding the arrest have been released so far.

LADbible Group has contacted Essex, Metropolitan, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Surrey, and Thames Valley police forces for comment.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Link to Jeffrey Epstein

Last month, the US Department of Justice released three million documents that shed further light on Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Formerly known as Prince Andrew, Mountbatten-Windsor has faced sustained scrutiny over his ties to Epstein. He has repeatedly denied allegations against him, including claims that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager after she was trafficked by Epstein.

In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, paying an undisclosed sum to resolve her civil sexual assault claim. Giuffre died by suicide in April last year.

Last year, his brother the King removed his remaining royal titles, including his status as Prince and Duke of York.

In the latest batch of released documents, Mountbatten-Windsor’s name appeared numerous times, including within Epstein’s private emails. He was also pictured crouched on all fours over an unidentified woman. However, being referenced or photographed in the files does not in itself indicate wrongdoing.

He has also faced accusations of knowingly passing confidential information to Epstein during his time as UK trade envoy between 2010 and 2011, according to the BBC.

Emails made public by the US Department of Justice appear to show the former duke sharing reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One message dated November 2010 appears to have been forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after it was sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another email, sent on Christmas Eve 2010, appears to include a confidential briefing on investment opportunities connected to the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

What Has the Royal Family Said?

Earlier this month, King Charles III addressed the allegations concerning his brother for the first time.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”

The statement continued: “While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect.

“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales also publicly acknowledged the ongoing revelations on 9 February, with Kensington Palace stating: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.

“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

Pressure to Testify

There has been growing pressure for Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with both UK and US authorities regarding the Epstein case.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that “nobody is above the law”.

When asked whether he believed Mountbatten-Windsor should voluntarily speak to British police, Starmer replied: “I think that’s a matter for the police.

“They will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law.”

He added: “It’s a very important principle of our country… and it has to apply in this case in the same way it would in any other case.”