A lawyer who represented Virginia Giuffre and other victims of Jeffrey Epstein hailed the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a ‘monumental moment’ for survivors.
Sigrid McCawley, who was assigned to represent Ms Giuffre in 2014, said in a statement:
Andrew is arrested in bombshell raids on Windsor and Sandringham homes: Live updates
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said.
Plain-clothes officers arrived at the Sandringham Estate in six unmarked police cars just after 8am.
A spokesman said officers are searching an address in Norfolk – believed to be Wood Farm where he is exiled – and an address in Berkshire, likely to be Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he lived for more than 20 years until this month.
‘The man remains in police custody at this time’, the spokesman said – but the force would not confirm where Andrew, who is celebrating his 66th birthday had been taken.
Follow the latest updates below
Top story: Andrew arrested on 66th birthday during raid at new Sandringham home
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on his 66th birthday today and is in police custody after a raid on his new Sandringham home.
Thames Valley Police held the eighth in line to the British throne on suspicion of misconduct in public office this morning.
The Daily Mail was the first to reveal plain-clothes police, carried in six unmarked vehicles, had arrived at Wood Farm, Andrew’s new Sandringham home, at 8am this morning.
A convoy including at least two royal Land Rovers linked to Andrew was photographed leaving the estate less than an hour later. His arrest was confirmed at 10.08am.
For the past ten days detectives have been probing his conduct as a trade envoy for the UK after emails in the Epstein Files suggested he shared confidential information with his paedophile friend including reports of his official visits and potential investment opportunities.
A Thames Valley spokesman said today: ‘We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office’.
Breaking:Prince and Princess of Wales back King’s statement after Andrew arrest
The Prince and Princess of Wales support the King’s statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Press Association is reporting.
Earlier this month, William and Kate addressed the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, saying they are ‘deeply concerned’.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said their ‘thoughts remain focused on the victims’ of the child predator and his global network.
Their intervention came as the prince flew to Saudi Arabia for an official visit to the desert kingdom.
Police to search through Andrew’s computers
Police are today searching Andrew’s new home in Sandringham where he moved to earlier this month under the cover of darkness.
But officers from Thames Valley are also searching a property in Windsor, believed to be Royal Lodge – his home of 30 years.
Former Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu told the BBC police will be able ‘to access computer equipment, files, photographs, any other evidence’.
He also adds officers ‘can carry out searches of any premises he owns or occupies, or any other premises he controls, so there may well be searches in other areas as well’.
POLL OF THE DAY: Can the monarchy survive this crisis?
The monarchy was plunged into fresh turmoil today after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and taken into police custody following an early morning raid on his new home at Sandringham.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they had detained the eighth in line to the throne on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after officers descended on Wood Farm shortly after 8am.
For the past ten days, detectives have been probing Andrew’s conduct while serving as a UK trade envoy, after emails contained in the Epstein Files suggested he shared confidential information with his paedophile friend, including reports of official overseas visits and potential investment opportunities.
They are also reviewing claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew.
We want to know what do you think – can the monarchy survive this crisis? Vote here in the Daily Mail’s latest poll:
POLL OF THE DAY: Can the monarchy survive this crisis?
Thames Valley Police confirmed they had detained the eighth in line to the throne on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Virginia Giuffre’s family welcome Andrew’s arrest
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, has welcomed his arrest.
In a statement, her brothers Sky Roberts and Danny Wilson said:
At last. Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.
On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.
Ms Giuffre, who took her own life last year, says she first met Andrew in London in 2001 when Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell introduced her to the ex-prince.
She claimed that after going to a nightclub, she was made to have sex with Andrew at Maxwell’s Belgravia home.
On the second occasion, it is alleged that Andrew abused Ms Giuffre in Epstein’s New York mansion. And she alleged a third incident on Epstein’s island, Little St James, in the US Virgin Islands.
Andrew has always denied the claims and reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, but it contained no admission of liability or apology.
King Charles’s statement in full
Here is the full written statement from King Charles following Andrew’s arrest earlier today:
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.
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.
