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Everything We Know So Far About Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested at his residence in Sandringham this morning (February 19) and remains in custody – here’s everything we know.
Officers dressed in plain clothes arrived at the former prince’s residence at approximately 8:00 a.m. GMT today, coinciding with his 66th birthday.
The BBC reported that the news comes as a shock not only to the public, as King Charles nor Buckingham Palace were made aware prior to the arrest that it would take place today.
It’s understood that Andrew remains in custody, after being arrested just hours ago.
In most cases in the UK, suspects are held for 12 to 24 hours before either being charged or released pending further investigation.
Following the arrest, it’s important to note that this should not be seen as any indication of guilt, and there are currently no charges.
‘No special treatment’
It’s been made clear that while being held in custody, the royal will not be receiving special treatment.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, policing commentator Danny Shaw said that Andrew will be placed in ‘a cell in a custody suite’ with just ‘a bed and a toilet,’ where he will wait until his police interview.
In the UK, it’s unlikely that somebody would be held in custody overnight.
While police are able to hold someone for 24 hours and request extensions, it’s not likely in this situation.
Following this, the person arrested is sometimes given police bail, and a date to return for further questioning.
King Charles breaks his silence on the arrest
King Charles broke his silence on the arrest of his younger brother through a statement which reads: “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.”
It continued: “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.”
Why was Andrew arrested?
The 66-year-old was arrested this morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
With the support of Norfolk Constabulary, it’s been reported that Thames Valley Police have been investigating the allegations against Andrew.
The force is investigating allegations of misconduct in public office, and is also looking into allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a s**ual encounter with the former prince.
Misconduct in public office refers to ‘serious wilful abuse or neglect’ of powers relating to the role in public office, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The CPS also adds that this is an offence that can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
It explains: “The offence concerns serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held. There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities.
“The Court of Appeal has made it clear that the offence should be strictly confined, and it can raise complex and sometimes sensitive issues.”
Police statement in full
Thames Valley police released a statement earlier today detailing the arrest.
It read: “As part of the investigation, we have today 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.”
‘Business as usual’ for the royals
The royal family have long lived by the ‘never complain, never explain’ philosophy, and today is no different, it seems.
Just hours after Andrew’s arrest, it appeared that Queen Camilla arrived for an engagement in Westminster, central London.
She was attending a lunchtime orchestral concert, and was greeted by representatives as she arrived.
The King was also greeted with questions, as well as cheers, as he arrived at an event in central London a short while ago.
Related Article: Royals That Can And Can’t Be Arrested After Andrew Is
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