Topics: Crime, News, Police, Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News, Jeffrey Epstein, World News
After Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his home in Sandringham, there are strict rules about how police can make arrests on royal estates or even in front of royalty.
The former Duke of York was arrested earlier this morning (19 February), which coincides with his 66th birthday, following Thames Valley Police's previous update saying the force was reviewing allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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.
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"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."
King 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, 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 news has made headlines around the world, with many people now wondering what the actual law is when it comes to which members of the UK Royal Family can and can’t be arrested.
The reigning monarch has sovereign immunity, which means that they are personally immune from criminal prosecution or civil actions - this includes arrest.
Additionally, the Crown’s private estates - such as Balmoral and Sandringham - are also granted immunity, meaning that police cannot enter without permission.
There are over 160 laws providing specific exemptions for the monarch, covering matters like discrimination, health and safety, environmental inspection and taxes.
Likewise, no arrest (even of other royals) can be made in the presence of the monarch, or within a royal residence.
That includes Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, even if the monarch is not currently residing there.
Immediate family members like Prince William, Kate Middleton, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, etc, don't have sovereign immunity.
This means that they are subject to the law like other citizens.
Examples in the past have seen the likes of Princess Anne being prosecuted and fined £500 for her dog’s attack. She was also fined £400 for a speeding offence.
And while no arrests were made when Prince Philip was involved in a car collision, this was due to circumstances, not because of immunity.
In short, if a royal (other than the monarch) commits a crime, they can be arrested and prosecuted - just as long as they are not with the monarch or on palace grounds.
Andrew has faced allegations, which he strenuously denies, that he sexually assaulted a teenage Virginia Giuffre after she was trafficked by Epstein.
These allegations aren't connected to today's arrest.
He later paid an unspecified sum to settle with Giuffre - reportedly £12 million. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, a woman he claims never to have met, to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022.
LADbible Group has previously contacted the Essex, Metropolitan, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Surrey, and Thames Valley police forces for comment.
