Police arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on his 66th birthday

Witnesses at the scene reported that those who arrived were wearing civilian clothing but "appeared to be police officers".

Thames Valley police, said in a statement confirming the arrest: "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 said: "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."

Andrew has been living at Wood Farm, a secluded cottage on the periphery of the Sandringham grounds, since being required to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor by King Charles.

The property, situated approximately 300 yards along a private drive in Wolferton, was previously home to the late Duke of Edinburgh during his final years.

The arrival of officers at Sandringham comes amid heightened scrutiny, with nine police forces across the United Kingdom currently evaluating whether to open investigations connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that "nobody is above the law" when asked about allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

When pressed on whether the former prince ought to voluntarily present himself to authorities, Mr Starmer refused to be drawn, stating this was a decision for police to make independently.

The Prime Minister said: "I think that's a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law."

He stressed this fundamental principle must be applied consistently, regardless of who is involved.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his view that those possessing relevant information should come forward to appropriate authorities.

"Anybody who has any information should testify. So, whether it's Andrew or anybody else, anybody whose got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is," Sir Keir said.

Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing amid the ongoing allegations.

Last month's document release included photographs showing the former prince on all fours above a woman lying on the ground, alongside numerous other references to him throughout the files.

In the wake of these revelations and further email correspondence between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein becoming public, the former prince relocated from his Windsor residence to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The former senior royal was relocated to the remote Norfolk property following his departure from his previous Windsor residence in the wake of the Epstein scandal.

Appearing in the Epstein files is not evidence of any wrongdoing and Inclusion in the documents does not implicate anyone in Epstein's criminality.

GB News has contacted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on the above allegations.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter