Prince Andrew, the former royal stripped of his titles, faces a police probe into alleged sharing of confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities took the 66-year-old into custody at King Charles III’s Sandringham residence, marking the highest-profile arrest yet in the Epstein scandal.

The king released a statement Thursday afternoon. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” Charles said. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.” He added, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

Police described the suspect only as “a man in his sixties from Norfolk,” avoiding any mention of his royal ties. The investigation stems from emails on Epstein’s computer hard drives, released by the U.S. Justice Department. Those messages reportedly include sensitive British government reports forwarded by Andrew during his time as the U.K.’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

One December 2010 email discussed investment opportunities in Helmand province, Afghanistan, where British forces—including Andrew’s nephew, Prince Harry—were active. Another involved an official trade mission report in Asia, sent to Epstein shortly after Andrew received it, according to police sources.

British authorities had previously acknowledged examining Epstein’s devices. The probe escalated after a complaint about Andrew passing classified details to the convicted sex offender, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019.

Andrew’s downfall accelerated years ago. Queen Elizabeth II removed his military affiliations and official duties in 2022. He vacated Royal Lodge, his longtime Windsor home. Family members helped raise £12 million—about $22 million CAD—to settle a civil lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims.

Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually abusing her three times at age 17 after Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to London. She detailed the claims in her memoir “Nobody’s Girl,” describing Maxwell waking her with a Cinderella reference before introducing the prince. Encounters allegedly occurred in London, New York, and on Epstein’s Little St. James island during an orgy.

A 2001 photograph shows Andrew’s arm around Giuffre’s waist, Maxwell in the background. Andrew denied remembering the image. In a disastrous 2019 BBC interview, he questioned Giuffre’s sweat claims, citing a medical condition that stopped him perspiring—a detail that fueled public outrage.

No charges emerged from those sexual allegations. Giuffre died by suicide last spring, months before her book’s release. Her persistence, however, prompted the unsealing of millions of Epstein documents in 2024.

Those files now underpin the misconduct case. Police declined further comment as the investigation continues. Andrew has consistently denied all wrongdoing tied to Epstein.

The arrest caps a saga that has tarnished the monarchy. Epstein’s network ensnared politicians, executives, and royals. Andrew’s close friendship with the financier, including flights on his private jet, drew scrutiny for years.

Prosecutors must now prove the shared documents amounted to criminal misconduct. Legal experts say outcomes could range from charges to a formal caution. Andrew’s lawyers have not responded to requests for comment.