Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, was reportedly arrested on his 66th birthday, Thursday, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows allegations that he passed secret government documents to his disgraced associate, Jeffrey Epstein, marking an extraordinary fall from grace for the former royal.

During his 11 hours in police custody, Andrew was reportedly treated like a “common criminal,” subjected to standard procedures including DNA swabs, fingerprinting, and a mugshot. Retired detective chief inspector Mick Neville commented on the significant change in circumstances, noting, “I doubt whether the police gave him tea in a bone china cup and the microwaved food in custody centres is virtually inedible.” While he was not handcuffed, upon arrival at the station, he would have undergone an examination to ascertain his mental and physical fitness for detention and interview.

The exact nature of his detention within the station remains unclear, though he was reportedly released around 7 pm. Mick Neville suggested that instead of being placed in a cell, Andrew might have been kept in a private room with his bodyguard until his lawyer arrived, especially if facilities allowed and as a sensible measure to avoid routine protection procedures like taking away belts or ties against potential self-harm.

The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into whether Andrew shared confidential government documents with the late Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Reports indicate that the ex-prince allegedly forwarded sensitive reports concerning investment opportunities and official visits to countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan to Epstein, often within minutes of receiving them from government advisers.

Following his brother's arrest, King Charles released a statement expressing his “deepest concern” regarding the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office. The monarch affirmed his full and wholehearted support and cooperation with the police, stating, “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 unequivocally stated that “the law must take its course” and that he would not comment further on the matter as the process continues, reiterating his family's commitment to duty and service.