Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III's brother, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows allegations that he shared confidential information acquired during his role as UK trade envoy (2001-2011) with Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, based on documents released in the Epstein Files by the US Department of Justice. He was released after 11 hours of questioning with no charges filed, and police searches of his properties continued.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese sent a letter to UK PM Keir Starmer confirming his government would support any proposal to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, where he currently sits eighth. The UK government is considering introducing such legislation but has indicated it will wait until the police investigation concludes before acting. Removing someone from the line of succession requires an Act of Parliament in the UK and agreement from all 14 Commonwealth realms that recognize Charles as monarch.
Mountbatten-Windsor was previously stripped of his military titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 following civil allegations by Virginia Giuffre, which he settled without admitting liability. King Charles stripped him of remaining titles including 'prince' in October 2025. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.
