The former Prince was arrested today, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police have arrived at Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate.
Pictures circulating online appear to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm in Norfolk on Thursday, with plain-clothes officers gathered outside the property.
What is misconduct in public office?
Misconduct in public office (MiPO) is an offence in abuse or neglect of power or responsibilities by someone holding public office, according to Institure for Government.
The law applies to o people in roles across government and public services, including elected officials, civil servants, the police and the judiciary.
Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into an offence of misconduct in public office.
A man in his sixties from Norfolk has been arrested and remains in police custody. As per national guidance we will not name the arrested man.
Read more: https://t.co/wehZDx4InV pic.twitter.com/b23l2KeOHG
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) February 19, 2026
The law offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The 2020 Law Commission states that MiPO “is one of the most notoriously difficult offences to define in England and Wales”.
MiPO is committed when a public officer wilfully neglects to perform their duty and/ or wilfully misconducts themselves, to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder.
Thames Valley police in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
A statement from Thames Valley police, which said: “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.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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.”
