Andrew was taken into custody earlier today (19 February), the same day he marks his 66th birthday, at his residence in Sandringham.

The arrest follows a previous update from Thames Valley Police confirming the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew. There are also claims he passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew was stripped of his remaining royal titles late last year amid mounting pressure over his links to Epstein.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former Duke of York forwarding reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. One email, dated November 2010, appeared to have been forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after it was sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another message, sent on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to share a confidential briefing on investment opportunities connected to the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police 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 added: “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.”

According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), misconduct in public office carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

King Charles III speaks out

Following the arrest — the first of a senior royal in modern history — the King addressed the situation publicly.