The arrest of the King’s brother at a private residence on the Sandringham estate was carried out without prior notification to Buckingham Palace.
Shortly after eight o’clock on Thursday morning, six unmarked vehicles and a number of plain-clothes officers from Thames Valley Police arrived at Wood Farm, where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had taken up residence only weeks ago.
By mid-morning he had been detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office and taken into custody, as inquiries continue into whether sensitive information was improperly shared during the period in which he served as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
According to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship, there was no advance communication with the Palace.
In normal circumstances, the Royal Household is afforded a degree of notice in matters affecting members of the family, not to influence the course of events but to enable the practical management of security, access and the conduct of official duties.
On this occasion, it is understood, no such forewarning was given – on the proviso of treating all without fear or favour.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, The King adopted a tone of studied restraint.
He spoke of his “deepest concern” at the news and declared that “the law must take its course”, adding that the authorities had the full support and co-operation of the Royal Household.
