A tense new chapter unfolded on Thursday afternoon as a convoy of police vehicles arrived at Royal Lodge in Windsor, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor entered his sixth hour in police custody following a dramatic early-morning raid on the Sandringham estate.
The former Duke of York, arrested on his 66th birthday, is being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office and can legally be questioned without charge for up to 24 hours. His exact location remains undisclosed.
As officers moved in to search Royal Lodge — Andrew’s former home of more than two decades — multiple sources revealed a startling detail: the Royal Family were not warned in advance that the arrest was about to take place.
King Charles Breaks Silence: ‘The Law Must Take Its Course’
In an unprecedented public statement, King Charles III confirmed he had learned of his brother’s arrest with “the deepest concern” — and made clear he would not intervene.
“The law must take its course,” the King said, adding that police would have the Royal Family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
Calling for a “full, fair and proper process,” Charles stressed that he and the Royal Family would continue their public duties while the investigation unfolds. Palace sources say both the Prince and Princess of Wales support the King’s stance.
Dawn Raid at Sandringham
The arrest followed a shock operation shortly after 8am, when six unmarked police vehicles carrying plain-clothed officers arrived at Sandringham Estate. Officers were seen entering Wood Farm, the secluded cottage where Andrew has been living in effective exile.
Less than an hour later, a convoy — including vehicles linked to Andrew — was photographed leaving the estate. His arrest was officially confirmed at 10:08am.
At the same time, police began coordinated searches in Norfolk and Berkshire, signalling the scale and seriousness of the investigation.
Why Andrew Was Arrested
Detectives from Thames Valley Police have spent the past ten days examining allegations connected to Andrew’s former role as a UK trade envoy.
The inquiry was triggered by material from the Epstein files, including emails suggesting Andrew may have shared sensitive official information with Jeffrey Epstein — such as reports of overseas visits and potential investment opportunities.
Andrew has vehemently denied all wrongdoing.
A Case With Global Shockwaves
The arrest has sent shockwaves through Britain and beyond. Former prime minister Gordon Brown confirmed he has submitted new information to police forces, while multiple UK constabularies are now assessing whether to open related investigations.
Virginia Giuffre’s family — whose allegations against Andrew have long dominated headlines — described the arrest as a “monumental moment”, saying:
“No one is above the law — not even royalty.”
Royal Family Caught Off Guard
Perhaps most striking is the claim that King Charles was not informed in advance of the operation — underscoring the independence of the police inquiry and the gravity of the situation.
As officers continue searches at Royal Lodge and Wood Farm, and Andrew remains in custody, Britain watches closely.
This is no longer a distant scandal.
It is a live investigation.
And for the first time in modern history, a senior royal has been arrested — with consequences that could reshape the monarchy itself.
Follow the developing story as police searches continue and the clock ticks on Andrew’s time in custody.