Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of abuse of public office, British authorities have confirmed. Police said the brother of King Charles is in custody and officers are carrying out searches at several addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Footage released shows vehicles, believed to be police, arriving at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk this morning.
The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police announced it was investigating a complaint regarding the former prince's alleged sharing of confidential material with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, who turns 66 today, has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
How long can he be held in custody?
According to policing experts quoted by BBC Radio 5 Live, the maximum period a suspect can be held in custody is 96 hours, but this requires several extensions approved by senior police officers and a court. In most cases, suspects are held for 12 or 24 hours before being charged or released pending further investigation.
Andrew is expected to be held in a standard cell in a detention center, without special treatment, until the time of questioning.
What still remains unclear?
Authorities have not disclosed:
• Specific details of the charges being investigated
• What information led to his arrest
• Where he is currently being held
• Whether he has already been formally questioned
The incident is under development and further details are expected in the coming hours.
