The 66-year-old was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. The arrest reportedly took place in the morning and coincided with his birthday.
Details of the Arrest and Police Statement
Witnesses reported seeing at least six unmarked police vehicles arriving at the former Duke of York’s home during the operation.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the arrest forms part of a broader inquiry, with searches being conducted at properties in both Berkshire and Norfolk.
“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,” the police statement read.
The force stressed that, in line with national guidance, it would not publicly identify the individual at this stage because the investigation remains ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright addressed the matter, stating: “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,” he added.
What Is Misconduct in Public Office?
Misconduct in public office is considered a serious common law offence. It involves the deliberate abuse or neglect of authority by someone holding a public position.
The offence applies when a public official wilfully acts in a way that breaches public trust or fails to carry out their duties in a manner that seriously undermines that trust.
Simarjor Judge Singh, managing partner at Judge Law, explained: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence which requires prosecutors to show that a public officer deliberately breached their duty in a way that represents a serious abuse of public trust.
“It is not enough for there to have been an error of judgment – the conduct must be wilful and sufficiently serious,” Singh added.
Potential Sentencing
Although the offence can technically carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, such outcomes are uncommon.
In most cases, sentences range from several months to a number of years, depending on how serious the misconduct is judged to be.