Andrew on horseback at Windsor Castle on the 2nd [Reuters Yonhap News]

Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been embroiled in allegations related to American billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested by police on the 19th (local time).

According to Reuters and AFP, Thames Valley Police raided Wood Farm, Andrew's residence on King Charles III's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and arrested and detained him on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

In a statement, the police said, "Following a thorough evaluation, we have launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office," and added, "We are searching premises in Berkshire and Norfolk."

The BBC reported, citing experts, that the maximum period police can detain Andrew is 96 hours, and an extension requires the approval of a magistrate's court. It also explained that in most cases, pre-charge proceedings or decisions for further investigation after release are made within 12 to 24 hours.

Andrew is the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the younger brother of King Charles III. He is currently eighth in line to the throne. He served as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 and stepped away from royal duties in 2019 after allegations of his involvement with Epstein surfaced.

He is accused of maintaining a friendship with Epstein and of having repeatedly sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, who worked for Epstein, since she was a minor. He was stripped of his princely title and all honors in October last year, and further allegations have continued to emerge since then. Andrew has denied all allegations.

Reporters covering the scene outside Andrew's residence on the Sandringham estate [EPA Yonhap News]

Following the recent release of additional Epstein documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, allegations have also surfaced that Andrew passed government classified information to Epstein in 2011.

These documents included emails from 2010-2011 in which an individual believed to be Andrew allegedly transmitted classified information about visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, as well as opportunities for investment in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, to Epstein.

The anti-monarchy group 'Republic' suspected Andrew of misconduct in public office and leaking state secrets, and reported him to Thames Valley Police.

Thames Valley Police had previously stated that they were aware of information regarding allegations that Andrew spent a night with a woman in her 20s, sent by Epstein, at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Castle in 2010, and were reviewing it in accordance with procedures.

According to The Guardian and The Times, this is the first time a member of the British royal family has been arrested and detained in 379 years, since King Charles I was apprehended by parliamentary forces during the English Civil War in 1647. This is the first time in the modern era. Charles I was found guilty of treason in 1649 and beheaded.

Princess Anne, Andrew's elder sister, was convicted of violating the Dangerous Dogs Act and fined £500 in 2002 after her bull terrier bit two children in a park, but she was not arrested. Other royals have also committed speeding offenses.

The day marks Andrew's 66th birthday. Sky News reported that Andrew became eligible to receive a state pension of £7,000 from this day, having paid national insurance contributions during his 22 years of service in the Royal Navy. It remains to be seen whether he will claim the pension or follow his brother Charles III's example and donate it to charity.

Charles III attends London Fashion Week on the 19th [EPA Yonhap News]

The British Royal Family has distanced itself from Andrew amidst ongoing scandals and allegations, while expressing its condolences to Epstein's victims.

King Charles III issued a statement on the day, stating that the investigation must be conducted fully and fairly and handled according to the principles of law. He also emphasized that he would support and cooperate with the investigative authorities.

Charles III attended the opening ceremony of London Fashion Week, fulfilling a previously scheduled engagement. While some in the crowd cheered, shouts questioning Andrew's arrest were also heard, and Charles III did not respond, British media reported.

In an interview with the BBC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated his position on questions regarding Andrew, saying, "No one is above the law" and expressing his support for the law to take its course.