King Charles and Prince William were not told in advance that police planned to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, according to BBC reporting, after officers detained the former prince on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest has triggered intense scrutiny because it involves an alleged abuse of a public role and has prompted a formal royal response in which theKing said 'the law must take its course', while police confirmed searches at addresses linked to Andrew.
Andrew, 66, was arrested on Thursday, 19 February and taken into custody in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said. In a statement carried on the Guardian's live reporting, the force said it had 'taken a man in his sixties from Norfolk into custody' and that he was later 'released under investigation' as enquiries continued.
Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested?https://t.co/kvvRs6lESM
The Guardian reported that unmarked police vehicles were seen at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate shortly after 8am, and said investigators were examining allegations that Andrew disclosed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving in an official capacity. The BBC said the arrest is not linked to sexual offence allegations.
The BBC also reported that Thames Valley Police informed the Home Office ahead of the arrest, but that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance. The Guardian's live blog also cited the National Police Chiefs' Council as saying Thames Valley Police notified the Home Office 30 minutes before the arrest 'in accordance with standard procedures.'
Thames Valley Police said searches in Norfolk had been completed, while 'investigations at his previous residence, the Royal Lodge located in Windsor, Berkshire, are still in progress,' according to the same police statement quoted by the Guardian. Police were searching Royal Lodge, Andrew's former home in Windsor Great Park, and said officers had been seen beyond its gates.
In comments relayed by the Guardian's live reporting, the King said he had learned 'with the deepest concern' of the news and added: '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.'
King Charles says "the law must take its course" after his brother Andrew arrested - follow livehttps://t.co/qA2R6izYWT
He continued: 'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,' and said it would not be right to comment further while the process was underway.
Source: International Business Times UK
