King Charles issues statement over brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest

King Charles III has issued a statement following his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew was arrested earlier this morning (19 February), which also coincides with his 66th birthday, at his home in Sandringham.

The arrest followed Thames Valley Police's previous update saying the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew.

They've also claimed he shared sensitive information with the late paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew was previously stripped of his remaining royal titles late last year, due to increasing pressure over the former Duke of York's ties to Epstein.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Andrew five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

King Charles III has issued a statement following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest today (ADRIAN DENNIS / Contributor / Getty Images)

Thames Valley Police said in a statement today: "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 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."

According to the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The former Duke of York is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested (Davidoff Studios Photography / Contributor / Getty Images)

King Charles III speaks out on Andrew's arrest

Charles has now issued a statement on the matter, after his brother became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.

As per PA Media, the King has expressed his 'deepest concern' and said 'the law must take its course'.

The monarch said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

He added: "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

"Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R."

The Prince and Princess of Wales support the King’s statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Press Association understands.

The family of the late Virginia Giuffre have also issued a statement (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Charles has previously spoken out on the accusations against his brother, with a Buckingham Palace spokesman saying: "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."

Prince William and Kate Middleton meanwhile, publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on 9 February, with Kensington Palace saying: "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."

Andrew was mentioned in the Epstein files multiple times (US Department of Justice)

Virginia Giuffre's family speaks out

The family of Virginia Guiffre have also issued a statement following Andrew's arrest.

The royal has faced allegations, which he strenuously denies, that he sexually assaulted a teenage Giuffre after she was trafficked by Epstein.

These allegations aren't connected to today's arrest, it must be noted.

He later paid millions to Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, a woman he claims never to have met, to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022.

Giuffre's siblings told CBS News: "At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.

“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

"He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you."

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