London, United Kingdom. Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations he committed misconduct in a public office by leaking government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. Police questioned him on his 66th birthday over claims linked to his role as a British government trade envoy.
Police investigation and allegations
The arrest relates to allegations Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor committed the offence of misconduct in a public office connected to claims he leaked government documents to Epstein. The arrest does not amount to any finding of guilt, and if police and prosecutors decide he should face criminal charges, he could potentially face prison.
Denials and prior controversy
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and said he regretted his “ill-judged association” with the late convicted U.S. sex offender. His reputation had already been damaged after he settled a lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager at properties owned by Epstein or his associates, which he repeatedly denied.
Statement from King Charles
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” King Charles said in a statement.
Background
Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor was born at Buckingham Palace on Feb. 19, 1960, when Queen Elizabeth II was 33, almost 10 years after the birth of his elder sister Anne. He became the first child born to a reigning monarch in 103 years.
At birth he was second-in-line to the throne, a Prince of the United Kingdom and later the Duke of York. Like his father and older brother Charles, he attended Gordonstoun private school in Scotland before going to the Dartmouth naval academy in 1979.
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