Former Prince Andrew arrested at home after Epstein files investigation

( Yahoo )

King Charles has said “the law must take its course” over the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew was taken into custody on his 66th birthday on Thursday following allegations made against the former prince in relation to his association with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A number of emails - among millions released in recent weeks by the US Department of Justice - appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits with Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.

Andrew is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.

In a statement released after the arrest, Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“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.

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.

Officers could be seen at the gates of the sprawling property. Walkers and families are continuing to wander through the surrounding Windsor Great Park.

The King’s brother is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein.

He does, however, remain in the line of succession – he is eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down after being born second in line.

The full police statement

After Andrew's arrest, Thames Valley Police said: "Thames Valley Police has opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.

"As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) 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."

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“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.”

'Duty of confidentiality'

Andrew served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, an important role that represents Britain's business interests abroad.

The role can involve highly confidential information linked to the British government, British business, as well as their foreign equivalents.

Official government guidance highlights that the role of a trade envoy carries a duty of confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

“This may include sensitive, commercial, or political information shared about relevant markets/visits,” guidance from the Department of Business and Trade reads.

“This duty of confidentiality will continue to apply after the expiry of their term of office. In addition, the Official Secrets Acts 1911 and 1989 will apply.”

The guidance adds: "Trade Envoys are responsible for the protection of any documents they have been provided which might contain sensitive data and ensuring that they are carried, stored, and disposed of in an appropriate manner."

Misconduct in public office is a common law offence in England and Wales. It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment (edited)