ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with police confirming the 66-year-old remains in custody as searches continue at properties in Norfolk and Berkshire.
Thames Valley Police said the arrest followed a thorough assessment of material relating to allegations connected to his time as a trade envoy. Officers declined to provide further detail, noting the investigation remains active.
Within hours of the arrest, lawyers for Mountbatten-Windsor were understood to have reiterated a familiar line of defence, insisting that at the time misconduct is alleged to have occurred he was attending a birthday party at a Pizza Express in Woking.
The former prince first cited the Surrey restaurant during his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, claiming he could not have met Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre on 10 March 2001 because he was at the pizza chain with Princess Beatrice. The explanation, described at the time as "unusual" and therefore memorable.
Sources close to the Duke say he maintains that his "well-documented family dining engagements" demonstrate a consistent and precise recollection of key dates.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. No charges have been laid.
More to come.
