{"id":306564,"date":"2026-02-19T18:21:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T18:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/306564\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T18:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T18:21:22","slug":"britains-former-prince-andrew-arrested-fine-art-van-spotted-as-police-search-windsor-property-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/306564\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain\u2019s former prince Andrew arrested; fine art van spotted as police search Windsor property \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main PointsBritain\u2019s former prince\u00a0Andrew<\/a>\u00a0has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office<\/a>\u201cThe law must take its course,\u201d says British king Charles III \u201cwho expresses deepest concern<\/a>\u201d over allegations against his younger brotherIt is understood neither Charles nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest earlier this morningFormer British prime minister Gordon Brown says he gave information to police expressing concern \u201cthat we secure justice for trafficked women\u201dKey read<\/a>: Why was the former prince arrested? What happens next?<\/p>\n

Glen Murphy – 46 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Charles and the British queen Camilla have continued their royal duties in the wake of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest. <\/p>\n

Charles attended an event for the launch of London Fashion Week, while Camilla attended musical performances at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall near Westminster Abbey.<\/p>\n

\"CharlesCharles sits between chief executive of the British Fashion Council Laura Weir (left) and designer Stella McCartney at the opening show of London Fashion Week on Thursday. Photograph: Richard Pohle\/WPA Pool\/Getty \"CamillaCamilla attending a performance by the Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra in London on Thursday. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau\/PA Wire What happens next?<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest, arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, appears related to his conduct as a UK trade envoy and follows the disclosure of emails related to the dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.<\/p>\n

So what might happen next? Check out this explainer piece<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\u00a0Why was Mountbatten-Windsor arrested and what happens next?Opens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n

Police vehicles and fine art van leave Royal Lodge<\/p>\n

A fine art transportation company van and multiple police vehicles have now left the grounds of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s former Berkshire residence.<\/p>\n

Thames Valley Police have been searching the Royal Lodge estate, close to Windsor castle, since Thursday morning.<\/p>\n

At around 4pm, a dark blue Gander and White van was seen leaving the outer gates of the Windsor Great Park, which surrounds the Royal Lodge estate.<\/p>\n

Gander and White describes itself as \u201cone of the world\u2019s leading fine art logistics companies, providing art storage, transport, installation and customs services\u201d.<\/p>\n

Two large police vans with tinted windows, each carrying several uniformed officers, were also seen leaving the property.<\/p>\n

The Royal Lodge is a Grade II listed building built originally in the mid-1600s before being developed significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries.<\/p>\n

It became a royal accommodation in the early 1800s and had been used by Andrew since 2004, until he moved out earlier this month.<\/p>\n

It was known the former prince would be moving out of Royal Lodge in the new year and so the development was not thought to be linked to the latest revelations in the Epstein papers. \u2013 PA<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

\"PolicePolice officers patrol near the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence in Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Leon Neal\/Getty Images \"UnmarkedUnmarked police vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence in Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Leon Neal\/Getty Images \"PolicePolice officers outside Wood Farm where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Thursday. Photograph: Tolga Akmen\/EPA \"MediaMedia outside Wood Farm where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Thursday. Photograph: Tolga Akmen\/EPA <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Arrest will hopefully show accountability \u2018regardless of how rich and powerful you are\u2019 \u2013 US congressman<\/p>\n

A democrat member of the US House Oversight Committee, who has previously called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to sit for a transcribed interview under oath in front of Congress, has said he hopes the arrest will \u201cshow that there will be accountability\u201d.<\/p>\n

Suhas Subramanyam said in a statement: \u201cHe [Mountbatten-Windsor] appears repeatedly in the documents we have uncovered as having knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s crimes and is specifically named by victims as someone who engaged in wrongdoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet he has continued to ignore our calls to co-operate with the Oversight Committee\u2019s investigation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope today\u2019s arrest will lead to answers and show that there will be accountability even if you hide, regardless of how rich and powerful you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"USUS democrat Suhas Subramanyam arrives to offices of the Department of Justice in Washington earlier this month. Photograph: Heather Diehl\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Wales first minister says it is \u2018a serious situation\u2019 and \u2018everybody should be treated the same\u2019 <\/p>\n

The first minister of Wales Eluned Morgan has said she was \u201cshocked\u201d by the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cI think we\u2019ve all been shocked by what\u2019s been happening and, clearly, now there\u2019s been an arrest, and it\u2019s in police hands, so I can\u2019t comment further, but it\u2019s a serious situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut everybody should be treated the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe first minister of Wales Eluned Morgan has said it is a ‘serious situation’. Photograph: Matthew Horwood\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Charles has carried on with his duties as monarch after he vowed the royal family would \u201ccontinue in our duty and service to you all\u201d in the wake of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.<\/p>\n

In a statement on Thursday, he insisted the \u201claw must take its course\u201d as he expressed his \u201cdeep concern\u201d over allegations of misconduct in public office against his younger brother.<\/p>\n

The British king stripped the former duke of his right to be a prince and his Duke of York title four months ago amid the ongoing scandal surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s links to Jeffrey Epstein.<\/p>\n

The monarch conducted three separate in-person audiences at St James\u2019s Palace at around midday on Thursday as planned.<\/p>\n

He welcomed the Spanish ambassador Emma Aparici Vazquez de Parga, the ambassador of El Salvador Francisco Lima Mena and the Kenyan high commissioner Maurice Makoloo in the royal residence\u2019s ornate red Throne Room.<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

A police officer stands guard at the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, the residence of Britain’s former prince Andrew. Video: Reuters <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 4 hours ago<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 4 hours ago<\/p>\n

\"MediaMedia gather to report near the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday in Sandringham, Norfolk. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images \"VehiclesVehicles arrive as the media gather near the entrance to Wood Farm, the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images \"AA police officer stands guard near the entrance to Wood Farm, the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday in Sandringham, Norfolk. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 4 hours ago<\/p>\n

What is misconduct in public office?<\/p>\n

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody.<\/p>\n

He is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested. But what exactly is misconduct in public office and what could happen next?<\/p>\n

According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the offence is defined as \u201cserious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held\u201d.<\/p>\n

It happens when a public office holder wilfully neglects to perform his or her duty or wilfully misconducts him or herself, to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public\u2019s trust in that office.<\/p>\n

The offence technically carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but in this case that maximum would be extremely unlikely, experts have said.<\/p>\n

In recent years, prison officers have been prosecuted for the offence after having inappropriate relationships with inmates, as well as police officers leaking information.<\/p>\n

Being a member of the royal family will not provide Mountbatten-Windsor any protection from prosecution or going to jail. As the reigning monarch, Charles is the only royal with sovereign immunity.<\/p>\n

Misconduct in public office is notoriously difficult to define, let alone prove, with only 191 people convicted between 2014 and 2024. <\/p>\n

Authorities will have to find clear evidence that Mountbatten-Windsor was in a public office role, and that he knowingly abused or exploited his position.<\/p>\n

\"AndrewAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle alongside his brother previously. Photograph: Michael Dunlea\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 4 hours ago<\/p>\n

Former British prime minister Gordon Brown has said he has submitted a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and other relevant UK police constabularies. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis memorandum provides new and additional information to that which I submitted last week to the Met, Essex and Thames Valley police forces where I expressed my concern that we secure justice for trafficked girls and women,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Scottish first minister John Swinney has told the Scottish parliament: \u201cThe announcement in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor obviously relates to a live case and I don\u2019t think it would be appropriate for me to comment upon that.\u201d <\/p>\n

Police searches of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s former home at the Royal Lodge, in Windsor, are ongoing. Officers can be seen at the gates of the sprawling property, while the press are being kept at an outer entrance. <\/p>\n

\"FormerFormer British prime minister Gordon Brown. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 5 hours ago<\/p>\n

Nobody is above the law, says UK\u2019s deputy prime minister <\/p>\n

British deputy prime minister David Lammy has said \u201cnobody in this country is above the law\u201d and that the police investigation \u201cmust happen in the usual way\u201d. <\/p>\n

Speaking to BBC News at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, he said: \u201cAs justice secretary \u2013 and as the prime minister has said \u2013 nobody in this country is above the law. And this is now a police investigation and that must happen in the usual way.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"BritishBritish deputy prime minister and justice secretary David Lammy said ‘nobody in this country is above the law’. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 5 hours ago<\/p>\n

Police did not give British king Charles advance notice of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest. <\/p>\n

It is understood neither he nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest earlier this morning. <\/p>\n

Charles has said it was with \u201cdeepest concern\u201d he had learned about the arrest of his younger brother and that police have \u201cour full and wholehearted support and co-operation\u201d. <\/p>\n

\"KingKing Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub on Wednesday. Photograph: Kate Green\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 5 hours ago<\/p>\n

\u2018No one is above the law, not even royalty,\u2019 says family of Virginia Giuffre <\/p>\n

Virginia Giuffre\u2019s family have said that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest shows that \u201cno one is above the law\u201d. <\/p>\n

Giuffre was one of the most prominent victims of the US financier Jeffrey Epstein who also alleged she had been sexually trafficked to Mountbatten-Windsor. She took her own life in April 2025, aged 41. <\/p>\n

The statement says: \u201cAt last, today our broken hearts have been lifted with the news that no one is above the law \u2013 not even royalty. <\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of our sister, we extend our gratitude to the UK\u2019s Thames Valley Police in their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"VirginiaVirginia Giuffre, with a photo of herself as a teen, when she says she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew, among others. Photograph: Emily Michot via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 5 hours ago<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, British queen Camilla has arrived for an engagement in Westminster just hours after police confirmed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. <\/p>\n

She was greeted by representatives of Sinfonia Smith Square where she will attend a lunchtime orchestral concert.<\/p>\n

\"QueenQueen Camilla during her visit to Sinfonia Smith Square Hall in London on Thursday. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 5 hours ago<\/p>\n

\u2018The law must take its course\u2019, says Charles who expresses \u2018deepest concern\u2019<\/p>\n

Charles has said \u201cthe law must take its course\u201d after expressing his \u201cdeepest concern\u201d over the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.<\/p>\n

In a statement, he said: \u201cI have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"KingKing Charles said ‘the law must take its course’. Photograph: Phil Noble\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Before the arrest was announced, British prime minister Keir Starmer told BBC Breakfast \u201cnobody is above the law\u201d when asked about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. <\/p>\n

Starmer added: \u201cAnybody who has any information should testify. So whether it\u2019s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we\u2019re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BritishBritish prime minister Keir Starmer said ‘nobody is above the law’. Photograph: Matthew Horwood\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Here<\/a> is a helpful timeline that goes right up to the stripping of Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s titles and his exit from Royal Lodge. <\/p>\n

\"AndrewAndrew Mountbatten Windsor, then the Duke of York, and the Prince of Wales leave after the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral, central London last September. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest appears to be the first of a UK royal since king Charles I in the 17th century following his defeat in the English civil war.<\/p>\n

In March 1554, queen Mary I ordered the arrest of her half-sister, princess Elizabeth, following suspicions of involvement in Wyatt\u2019s Rebellion. <\/p>\n

Princess Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London for two months before being moved to house arrest at Woodstock. She was eventually released after failing to be directly linked to the plot.<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s relationship with Epstein came under renewed scrutiny this year when the US justice department released millions of documents relating to the disgraced financier.<\/p>\n

Documents showed that Mountbatten-Windsor had advocated for Epstein on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates with Britain\u2019s late queen Elizabeth in 2010.<\/p>\n

They also showed that he had shared confidential information acquired as a result of his trade role with Epstein and his associates.<\/p>\n

The files also contained an image of Mountbatten-Windsor on all fours above a young woman.<\/p>\n

It was unclear to which activities the arrests were related. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any financial or sexual wrongdoing arising from his links with Epstein and his circle.<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor\u2019s arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would \u201cstand ready to support\u201d the police<\/a> if approached over the claims made against him.<\/p>\n

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace added that British king Charles III had made clear his \u201cprofound concern\u201d over his brother\u2019s alleged conduct.<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor is effectively no longer a royal, 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.<\/p>\n

He does, however, remain in the line of succession \u2013 he is eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down after being born second in line.<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Police assessing allegations<\/p>\n

Police have been assessing allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with the billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.<\/p>\n

Thames Valley police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, and claims he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier while serving as the UK\u2019s trade envoy.<\/p>\n

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Epstein.<\/p>\n

Oliver Wright, the force\u2019s assistant chief constable, said: \u201cFollowing a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PrincePrince Andrew arriving for the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral, central London last September. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 6 hours ago<\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s former prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.<\/p>\n

Photographs of unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, were published on Thursday.<\/p>\n

A statement from Thames Valley police said: \u201cWe have today (19\/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe man remains in police custody at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The arrest came as Mountbatten-Windsor celebrated his 66th birthday at home on Thursday. <\/p>\n

Follow irishtimes.com<\/a> for updates throughout the day. <\/p>\n

\"MenMen step out of an unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images \"MenMen step out of an unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images \"MenMen step out of an unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday. Photograph: Peter Nicholls\/Getty Images <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Main PointsBritain\u2019s former prince\u00a0Andrew\u00a0has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office\u201cThe law must take its course,\u201d…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":201716,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[10863,93,61,60,10864],"class_list":{"0":"post-306564","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"tag-bestof","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-ie","11":"tag-ireland","12":"tag-topix"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=306564"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306564\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/201716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=306564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=306564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}