Major action in Epstein files case, King Charles’s brother Andrew arrested in Britain

London (The Uttam Hindu): A major development has emerged in the Epstein files case in the United Kingdom. According to media reports, police have arrested Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, over alleged links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. As per a report by BBC, the arrest was made on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Earlier reports stated that several unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothes officers were seen at Wood Farm, located within the Sandringham Estate in eastern England. Thames Valley Police had said they were reviewing allegations suggesting that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential government documents with Epstein. These claims reportedly surfaced following the release of documents by the US government.

Prince Andrew, the second son of the late Elizabeth II, has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. While he previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein, he has not made any public statement after the emergence of the new documents.

In its official statement, police did not directly name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Thames Valley Police said that a man above the age of 60 was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Search operations were also carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright stated that the investigation was launched after a detailed assessment and that fairness and integrity would be maintained throughout the probe. He added that keeping in mind the high public interest, relevant information would be shared at an appropriate time.

The Prince Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, has previously faced international controversy due to his association with Epstein, who was accused of sexual abuse and trafficking of minor girls. The case regained attention after Epstein’s arrest in 2019, when old photographs of him with Prince Andrew resurfaced.

The controversy intensified when Virginia Giuffre alleged that she was forced, while underage, to have sexual relations with Prince Andrew through Epstein’s network. Prince Andrew denied these allegations, but his 2019 television interview drew widespread criticism over his conduct and responses.