The family of the late Virginia Giuffre has welcomed thearrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, describing the development as a moment of 'relief' after years of legal and public scrutiny.

Thames Valley Police said on Thursday that a man in his sixties had been detained in Norfolk as part of an investigation into allegations that confidential government documents were passed to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest, made on Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday, is the first time in the modern era that a senior member of the British royal family has been taken into police custody.

In a statement released after the arrest was confirmed, Giuffre's siblings said their 'broken hearts have been lifted' by the police action.

Giuffre, who died by suicide in 2025, had long alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the then Duke of York when she was a teenager — claims he has consistently denied. She brought a civil lawsuit in the United States, which was settled in 2022 without Mountbatten-Windsor admitting liability.

🚨VIRGINIA GIUFFRE DEAD🚨“I am making it publicly known that in no way, shape, or form am I suicidal...If something happens to me - in the sake of my family do not let this go away and help me to protect them. Too many evil people want to see me quieted"pic.twitter.com/4QNopDAhjX

The statement, signed by her siblings Sky and Amanda Roberts, and Danny and Lanette Wilson, said: 'No one is above the law, not even royalty.' They thanked Thames Valley Police for pursuing the case and said their sister's efforts had been on behalf of 'survivors everywhere.'

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly rejected all allegations of sexual misconduct and has denied any criminal wrongdoing. He has also denied any knowledge of wrongdoing by Epstein beyond what later became public.

Last year,King Charles III removed his brother's military titles and royal styles, including the use of 'His Royal Highness,' following mounting controversy over his association with Epstein and the civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre.

BREAKING: King Charles III has stripped Prince Andrew of all royal titles and honors as fallout builds from ongoing scandals. Andrew, who will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, has also been ordered to leave his Royal Lodge residence.pic.twitter.com/FBIenWuVLF

Police said the current criminal investigation centres on alleged misconduct in public office during Mountbatten-Windsor's tenure as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. According to recently released documents from the US Department of Justice, he is alleged to have shared sensitive trade reports with Epstein relating to official visits to Asia.

Source: International Business Times UK