Six unmarked police cars arrived at the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Sandringham home this morning, arresting him.
The 66-year-old was detained on his birthday by Thames Valley Police just after 8am today.
The police have issued a statement, writing: ‘As part of the investigation, we have today 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 said: ‘Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
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‘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.’
It comes as detectives assess claims made in the Epstein files against the former Duke of York.
This includes allegations he shared sensitive state information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was a UK trade envoy.
Sir Keir Starmer has said Andrew should speak to authorities about his ties to disgraced financier Epstein.
The prime minister said ‘nobody is above the law’, adding people with information had a ‘duty to come forward’.
Can the Royals go to prison?
The Royal Family can indeed go to prison if they are found to have committed a crime.
This means that if a royal acts unlawfully, then they are in the same position as any other UK citizen, with no special immunity.
No royals have ever been convicted or gone to prison, but a handful have landed in legal hot water.
In 2002, Princess Anne became the first member of the Royal Family to be convicted of a criminal offence.
She pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act after Dottie, her three-year-old English bull terrier, bit two children in Windsor Great Park.
The Princess was fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 in compensation and £148 in costs.
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